Which of the following best describes the role of an occupational therapist?

The role of an occupational therapist is fundamentally centered on assisting individuals in achieving independence and improving their ability to perform daily activities. This is primarily done through selecting and teaching therapeutic activities that are meaningful to the client's life, which directly aligns with the correct answer.

Occupational therapists assess a person's needs and abilities, and then design tailored interventions that may include exercises, adaptive equipment, or modifications to the environment. The focus here is on enhancing the client’s functional capabilities in various settings, whether at home, work, or school, therefore fostering greater independence and quality of life.

In contrast, administrative duties fall outside of therapeutic practice and focus more on the organization and management aspects of healthcare rather than direct patient care. Social services involve providing support related to community resources and social welfare, which is not the primary role of an occupational therapist. Conducting physical therapy sessions is specific to physical therapists, who specialize in movement and physical rehabilitation rather than the broader functional skills emphasized in occupational therapy. Thus, the essence of occupational therapy lies in its unique approach to using tailored activities to help clients engage in their daily lives.