The Eastern Caribbean region is working toward providing rehabilitation services for all handicapped persons. With the realization that there will not be enough trained therapists in the West Indies for many years, it is hoped that the training of occupational therapy assistants will help fill the gap in rehabilitation services. Many compromises and adaptations needed to be made to make this program a reality. However, the lively enthusiasm and commitment of the first group of students in the OTA program helped to compensate for the lack of material wealth and resources.