Where Strengths Meet Opportunity: An OT’s Story

OTs don’t just find work for people — they help people find where they belong.

Occupational Therapist Excited to Match Suitable Jobs for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities

Berita Harian Feature: 11 November 2025

Featured Occupational Therapist:
Sofian Hussain, Occupational Therapist @ MINDS

Occupational therapist, Mr. Sofian Hussain, enjoys the process of identifying issues and working hard to find solutions to match jobs for clients at Minds. – BH photo by KHALID BABA

The article features occupational therapist Sofian Hussain, who plays a vital role in supporting people with intellectual disabilities (PWID) to build independence and secure meaningful employment. At MINDS, he helps clients strengthen foundational daily living skills such as grooming and toileting, which form the basis for work readiness and greater self-sufficiency. Through this work, he has come to appreciate how small functional improvements can significantly change a client’s confidence and quality of life.

Sofian is actively involved in the MINDS Hi-Job job placement and support programme, where he mentors about ten clients each month. He collaborates closely with social workers, psychologists, families, and employers to ensure that job placements align with each client’s abilities, interests, and support needs. His clients typically work in industries such as F&B, cleaning, and hospitality, where roles can be tailored to match their strengths.

A key part of Sofian’s role involves negotiating workplace adjustments — from modifying work schedules to redesigning tasks — so that clients have the best chance of success. He also trains employers who wish to be more inclusive, teaching them strategies that maintain the right balance between providing guidance and encouraging independence. However, challenges arise when workplaces lack proper support systems or when staff struggle to adapt, whether by offering too little structure or giving excessive supervision.

Despite these difficulties, Sofian finds his work deeply rewarding. He values the opportunity to witness clients’ gradual progress, whether in learning a new skill or gaining the confidence to perform tasks independently. He notes that inclusive employment benefits not only the clients but also employers and co-workers, who often become more understanding, productive, and appreciative of diverse abilities. Ultimately, Sofian hopes for greater recognition of occupational therapists and their essential contributions to helping individuals with intellectual disabilities participate meaningfully in society.

(Source: Berita Harian)