Equity & Inclusion
The American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA’s) Vision 2025 states, “As an inclusive profession, occupational therapy maximizes health, well-being, and quality of life for all people, populations, and communities through effective solutions that facilitate participation in everyday living” (AOTA, 2019). Three key strategic principles serve to further that vision:
- Transform: AOTA embodies diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the Association and champions these values throughout the occupational therapy profession.
- Advocate: The actions of policymakers, payors, and the public result in equitable access to, maximized utilization of, and fair compensation for occupational therapy services.
- Build: AOTA is the essential resource for building the capacity of occupational therapy practitioners and for the knowledge, learning, and professional and leadership development throughout one’s occupational therapy career.
For a copy of the 2021 AOTA Strategic Framework, click here.
Additionally, the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education’s 2023 Standards include the following:
- Faculty must demonstrate knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice concepts (A.2.2)
- The program must document a current strategic plan that articulates the program’s vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (A.6.1)
- The curriculum must provide opportunities for students to apply and analyze the role of sociocultural, socioeconomic, and diversity, equity, and inclusion factors, as well as lifestyles in contemporary society to meet the needs of persons, groups, and populations (B.1.2)
The Division of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy joins the AOTA and ACOTE in the commitment to build a diverse workforce, use inclusive practices, advocate for equity and access, and engage with all people in a manner that reflects cultural sensitivity and cultural humility. This commitment exists in our recruitment, admission, and preparation of both MS and PhD students, our faculty hiring practices, and our teaching, research, and service activities.
For more information:
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. (2018). 2018 Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE®) Standards and Interpretive Guide https://acoteonline.org/accreditation-explained/standards/
American Occupational Therapy Association (2019). AOTA Board expands Vision 2025. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 73, 73034200107303420010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2019.733002
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020). Occupational therapy’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74 (S3), 7413410030p1–7413410030p6. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S3002