The role of occupational therapy as a process for changing balance from dysfunction to function is discussed in this paper. The individual as the first level environment to be considered for balance in the occupational therapy process is emphasized. The role of purposeful activity as a change determinant and as a valued treatment modality is recognized as a practice factor that needs verification through research in conjunction with systematic study of the occupational therapy process.

We have suggested that certain research challenges now face the profession. In summary, these challenges may be seen as part of the dual mission of research in a practice profession. Research must contribute to the development of a body of knowledge: some research is academic and theoretical in nature and other research helps to sustain and improve clinical practice. In either case, theory in a practice profession differs significantly from that in more traditional sciences. It is, in fact, more sophisticated and complex than the theory utilized by nonpractice professions, because it must provide the means to state intended outcomes and identify the methods required to achieve the prescribed results (5). This is known as "prescriptive theory" and represents the ultimate research challenge to the practice profession. Prescriptive theory cannot rest on studying what is and what has been; it must anticipate what might be--indeed, what must be--if patients are to achieve their greatest potential as functional members of society.

The impetus for research in any field stems from intellectual curiosity and the basic" need to know. ' , The need for research in occupational therapy is based upon the need to know how occupation impacts the lives of clients as a result of treatment for restoration of function, habilitation or rehabilitation, and intervention for prevention of disability and maintenance of healthful function. The need for research in occupational therapy encompasses the need to discover and test the theories upon which professional practice is based. In a paper on the role of research in occupational therapy, Jantzen (1964) indicated that research was essential in occupational therapy to "be certain that our methods and approaches are the best ones we can

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The purpose of this paper is to describe background and strategies utilized by occupational therapy educators in conjunction with Disabled Students Services personnel and students with disabilities to effect academic accommodations that will enhance their chances for success in academia and subsequently in the practice of occupational therapy.