The use of disability studies theory to critically appraise occupational therapy practice

McCormack, C; Collins, B

Abstract

Service provision with people with disabilities is often implicitly
influenced by the operative paradigms in the health and
social care service context (e.g. the medical or social models
of disability). At times, people with disabilities find these
practices to be oppressive and disempowering (Abberley 2004,
Shakespeare 2006), particularly when they are insensitive to their
worldview and lived experience of disability.
Occupational therapists have begun to recognise the importance
of disability studies theory for occupational therapy practice
(Kielhofner 2005, Taylor 2001, Collins 2009) and its use when
they engage in critically reflective practice to promote clientcentred, culturally competent and empowering services for
people with disabilities. Methods
This session aims to enable participants to critically reflect on
occupational therapy practice with people with disabilities,
using disability theory. To achieve this, the facilitators will utilise
structured brainstorming, a reflective tool and narrative strategies
to visually ‘plot’ the impact of different models of disability on
practice in the past, present and project to the future.
Results
This workshop aims to be a practical session, equipping
participants with reflective tools to enable them to appraise their
practice with people with disabilities through the use of disability
studies theory.
Issues for service users
Culturally competent, client-centred occupational therapy
practice is fundamental to the attainment of occupational and
social justice for people with disabilities.
Implications for occupational therapy
This session will contribute positively to culturally competent,
client-centred occupational therapy practice with people with
disabilities.

Citation

McCormack, C., & Collins, B. The use of disability studies theory to critically appraise occupational therapy practice. Presented at College of Occupational Therapists 34th Annual Conference and Exhibition, Brighton Centre, Brighton, United Kingdom

• Presentation Conference Type: Lecture
• Conference Name: College of Occupational Therapists 34th Annual Conference and Exhibition
• Conference Location: Brighton Centre, Brighton, United Kingdom
• End Date: Jun 25, 2010
• Online Publication Date: Aug 1, 2010
• Publication Date: Jun 23, 2010
• Deposit Date: Jul 14, 2020
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/03080226100738S101
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference