Occupational Therapy and Justice

Occupational therapists must understand the larger societal factors that impact a person's ability to participate in meaningful activities.

This involves critically examining how inequalities and oppression are embedded in the systems that affect people's lives.

Occupational therapy practice should be guided by the principles of justice, fairness, and respect for everyone's rights.

Building a strong relationship with the person or group, ensuring they have access to services, and gaining their informed agreement.

Understanding the person's concerns about participation, working together to create a plan, and getting their informed consent.

Exploring the person's current participation, identifying their hopes for the future, and analyzing what's hindering their participation.

Working together to set priorities, goals, and plans, respecting the individual's autonomy.

Planning how the person will transition from therapy, ensuring continued support, and addressing any barriers to equity.

The speed or pace at which a task is completed.

Activities that are expected to be performed at a certain speed, often in a work or social setting.

The state of being unable to participate in activities due to a mismatch between one's physical or mental abilities and the demands of the environment or task.

Adjustments made to the environment or task to make it easier for someone with a disability to participate.

The social expectations and attitudes that influence how people view those with disabilities.

The tendency for expectations about pace and performance to create a sense of being disabled.

Impacts of pace expectations on various aspects of life, such as family, work, and leisure.

Providing support and resources to ensure everyone can participate in society based on their individual needs and abilities.

These are preconceived notions or assumptions about people with disabilities that are often negative and inaccurate. They can be harmful because they lead to discrimination and prejudice. The most common stereotypes include being dependent, morally corrupt, superhuman, asexual, and/or pitiable.

This is a negative attitude or belief about people with disabilities that can lead to discrimination and exclusion. People who feel this may view people with disabilities as less than, different, or undesirable.

Cultural meanings of disability are the ideas and beliefs people hold about a disability that are passed down through society based on cultural factors or traditions. For example, some cultures still believe in disability as a punishment from God.

This refers to the power of stereotypes to shape how people perceive others with disabilities. This can lead to them being underestimated or even completely overlooked.

This is the belief that a woman's physical appearance is more important than a man's. This can explain why stereotypes about women with disabilities are more negative than those about men with disabilities.

The private sphere is often associated with weakness, illness, care, and the body that is considered 'negative', while the public sphere is viewed as a space of strength, health, and the valued body

When individuals enter the public sphere with a disability, illness, or a body seen as 'negative', they face resistance because it challenges the separation of the two spheres

The societal tendency to treat disability and illness as private matters, leading to limited accessibility and support in public spaces.

Socially constructed barriers arise from the lack of adequate aid for individuals to participate fully in society. These barriers limit their ability to contribute through work or other means

Most industrialized societies provide assistance to non-disabled individuals in various forms, including education, social benefits, transportation, and leisure services.

The assistance typically received by non-disabled individuals is often taken for granted and viewed as a right, rather than a form of support

The hidden needs and experiences of individuals with disabilities and illnesses often remain unacknowledged and unexpressed in society

Recognizing the experiences of disability and illness is crucial to create accessible public spaces that allow for a wider range of individuals to participate.

The idea that the costs of current approaches to supporting people with disabilities, such as social welfare or institutionalization, are not just financial, but also involve human suffering and missed opportunities for participation in life.

The act of providing individuals with the necessary tools and resources to fully participate in their desired activities, such as work, education, or social life.

The state of having access to the resources, services, and opportunities needed to participate in daily activities and society, regardless of disability.

Analyzing the financial implications of facilitating access and supporting people with disabilities, including the cost of adaptation, assistive technology, and services.

A key principle in equitable design and implementation of disability services, acknowledging that different people have different needs and approaches are required.

The social conditions, attitudes, and practices that create obstacles to participation for people with disabilities.

Sweden's model of providing accessible resources and technological advancements for people with disabilities, often through government initiatives, is seen as a successful example for other countries.

The idea that creating a more equitable and accessible society benefits not just individuals with disabilities, but everyone, by allowing for greater inclusion and social participation.

The unfair treatment of individuals due to their disability, often stemming from prejudice and societal structures that favor the non-disabled.

The assumption that people with disabilities are solely responsible for overcoming their challenges, without acknowledging societal barriers and lack of support.

A shift in perspective that considers the social and environmental factors that shape participation and opportunities for people with disabilities. It emphasizes the need for systemic changes to create greater inclusion.

The act of creating a society where people with disabilities have equal access to resources, opportunities, and participation in all aspects of life.

The recognition and understanding that people with disabilities should be included in the planning and design of interventions and environments to ensure their needs are met.

A society where structural barriers are removed, allowing people with disabilities to fully participate in all areas of life.

The act of challenging and dismantling prejudices and stereotypes surrounding disability, leading to a more equitable understanding.

The built environment (buildings, transportation, public spaces) often assumes everyone is able-bodied and ignores the needs of people with disabilities. It is designed for a standardized "young, non-disabled man" neglecting the diverse capabilities and limitations of the population.

Physical barriers in the environment, like steps, heavy doors, or lack of accessible transportation, can restrict participation in daily life for individuals with disabilities. They limit mobility and independence.

The social and occupational expectations of society often assume everyone can work at a fast pace, maintain high productivity, and meet societal norms regardless of physical limitations or health conditions. This ignores the diverse realities of human capabilities.

The lack of accessible transportation for individuals with disabilities can impact mobility, economic opportunities, and social participation. This creates a barrier to independent living and integration.

Communication systems, like websites or public announcements, that are not accessible for people with visual or hearing impairments, can create barriers to information access and participation in society.

The assumption that everyone can work full-time and at a constant pace excludes those with fluctuating health conditions, disabilities, or other challenges. This creates barriers to meaningful employment opportunities.

The design of the environment and social organizations often neglect the needs of people with disabilities, creating unnecessary obstacles and limitations to their participation in society.

The social norms and expectations that ignore or underestimate the abilities of people with disabilities, leading to a lack of inclusion, equal opportunity, and societal recognition.