Occupational Therapy Networks

Occupational Therapy and Aboriginal Health Network

Occupational therapists can partner with Inuit, Metis and First Nations peoples to influence the health, well-being and self-determination efforts of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people. Occupational therapists recognize that Aboriginal people have specific health and life challenges. Occupational therapists can engage in ongoing partnerships, education and research to provide accessible, meaningful and culturally safe occupational therapy services with Aboriginal peoples.

Occupational Therapists Working in Mental Health

Occupational therapy is a core component of an integrated mental health system. Occupational therapy’s understanding of the relationship among person, occupation, and environment uniquely positions the profession to provide quality mental health services in environments where people live and work.

Occupational Therapy within the Military and Veterans Affairs

Occupational therapists work with military personnel and veterans especially in areas of primary health care and physical and mental health services.Amongst other CAOT initiatives, members have formed a networking group and are collaborating to share resources and expertise relevant to these areas of practice.

Occupational Therapists Working in Oncology

Cancer survivorship, from point of diagnosis to end-of-life, is a growing practice area for occupational therapists in Canada due to the growing population of individuals living with, through and beyond cancer. Collaboration amongst occupational therapists working in oncology is needed to develop best practice and to share resources in order to address the diverse and unique needs of cancer survivors. Occupational therapists enable clients to maximize daily functioning and quality of life when cancer impacts their physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being (Lapointe, 2012).

Occupational Therapists Working in Private Practice

Approximately 25% of practicing CAOT members work in private practice. Working with clients of all ages, occupational therapists conduct both individual assessment and treatment, and group programs. They may provide consultation to industry, schools, government, communities and health facilities. Examples include: case management, return-to-work programs, hand therapy and splinting, stress management, caregiver education, wheelchair prescription, injury prevention, pre-employment functional capacity evaluations, play therapy and hand writing programs.

Occupational Therapy Practice Leadership

Leadership is an active process that contributes to making something extraordinary happen. CAOT recognizes that fostering leadership is a key element to the continuous development of the profession of occupational therapy. Our professional leaders push boundaries and champion advancements in practice, policy, research, and education to develop and promote client-centred, occupation based enablement.

Occupational Therapists and Sensory Processing

Individuals with sensory processing challenges and their families should have access to evidence-informed collaborative health services. Occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to provide a developmental and holistic perspective on how sensory processing and motor planning challenges interfere with an individual’s occupational performance. The OTSP Network promotes, develops, and supports the role of occupational therapy and occupational therapists in the provision of evidence informed interprofessional assessment and intervention for those with sensory processing and motor planning challenges across the lifespan.

Occupational Therapy and Rural and Remote Practice Network

CAOT advocates for equitable access to quality occupational therapy services for the health and well-being of the people of Canada. CAOT recognizes engagement in meaningful occupations is an important determinant of health. Through occupational therapy, Canadians are enabled to maximize their productivity, reduce lifestyle restrictions and avoid unnecessary dependency.

Occupational Therapists Working in Dementia Care

Engagement in meaningful occupations, be they leisure, social, self-care, volunteer, productive, and/or physical in nature, is important to the health and well-being of all Canadians.CAOT recognizes that there is a need to support opportunities for occupational engagement for older adults,regardless of health or disability status. Having an understanding of the dynamic relationship between the person, occupation, and environment can uniquely position occupational therapists to provide client centered, evidence-based services for the growing cohort of older adults.