Inclusive education in occupational therapy : how could we make a difference?

Collins, B

Abstract

Occupational therapy has long articulated a commitment to
social justice (e.g. Townsend 1993). Social justice is also key
throughout inclusive education literature (Hockings 2010).
Likewise, cultural awareness and competence are core to both
occupational therapy and inclusive education (Trantham et al
2008). Yet, how inclusive are our pre-registration education
programmes?
In higher education, inclusive learning and teaching refers
to how programmes are designed and delivered to fully
engage a diverse range of students (Hockings 2010). Like
many occupational therapy theories, it embraces diversity as
enhancing the experience for all and highlights the importance
of the environment to enable an individual to engage in the
occupations associated with being a student (Collins 2014).
Challenges to inclusive education approaches have been
discussed, relating to professional requirements and fitness to
practice; some have argued that adapting traditional approaches,
particularly in practice education, could dilute judgement of
competence. Other research suggests that occupational therapy
needs to carefully consider how it defines competence in
light of transcultural differences (Trentham et al 2007). Could
implementing inclusive education principles avoid the need
to adapt and accommodate existing programmes and instead
enhance the education of an increasingly diverse student body?
This workshop will firstly tease out perceptions of inclusive
pre-registration occupational therapy education. Secondly, it
will provide debate and practical strategies to enhance the
inclusivity of professional education, both in practice placement
and in the university. The workshop will discuss how principles
of inclusive education could sensibly be implemented with a
view to protecting professional standards and ensuring that
those who graduate as occupational therapists are clearly fit for
practice and at the same time embracing diversity and widening
participation in our profession.

Citation

Collins, B. (2015, June). Inclusive education in occupational therapy : how could we make a difference?. Poster presented at College of Occupational Therapists 39th Annual Conference & Exhibition and Specialist Section – Work Annual Conference, Brighton, United Kingdom

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: College of Occupational Therapists 39th Annual Conference & Exhibition and Specialist Section – Work Annual Conference
• Conference Location: Brighton, United Kingdom
• Start Date: Jun 30, 2015
• End Date: Jul 2, 2015
• Online Publication Date: Aug 1, 2015
• Publication Date: Jul 2, 2015
• Deposit Date: Jul 13, 2020
• Journal: College of Occupational Therapists 39th Annual Conference & Exhibition and Specialist Section – Work Annual Conference Book of Abstracts
• Volume: 78
• Pages: 86-87
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022615583236
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022615583236
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference