Developing inclusive cultures in Occupational Therapy

Odeth Richardson, who is also Head OT at the Freeman Hospital, delivered a keynote speech which focused on the importance of Cultural Competence for occupational therapists to ensure interventions for patients can consider who they are as individuals and social groups they may be part of.

There is full and fair recognition today that Britain is an inclusive society of people from all walks of life with a range of personal characteristics. Occupational Therapists play a role in assessing the needs of people with physical and psychological impairments.  Occupational Therapists increasingly must understand that people they meet can come from different parts of the world or may have an invisible impairment (not visible to the naked eye such as diagnosis of a mental illness) or may be from the LGBTQIA community struggling to combat stigma. 

Ms Richardson reminded students about The Royal College of Occupational Therapists statement on diversity:

“The principles of diversity and equality are core to the practice of occupational therapy and are enshrined within the RCOT Code of Ethics. We believe that all people should be treated with dignity and respect, above all as equal members of society with the same choices, rights and privileges. Discrimination and prejudice have no place in our practice and no place in society.”

The message of equality and diversity means that Occupational Therapists must be ready to appreciate the nuance of social life that people are part of. 

Dr Blaine Robin, Senior Lecturer at Leeds Beckett University said:

“The opportunity Ms. Richardson provides helps to address important issues such as social inclusion affecting the lives of people some of whom are marginalised.”

Odeth Richardson went on to say that:

“Social justice sits at the heart of everything we do and our ambition at the RCOT is to be an organisation that advocates and challenge inequity for and on behalf of our staff, our members and the public.”

The timing of Ms. Richardson’s lecture paves the way for World Occupational Therapy Day which will be promoted by Occupational Therapists and students on October 27^th, 2022. The theme for this year is ‘Occupation plus choice equals justice’.

Leeds Beckett University delivers a three-year degree and a two-year Masters pre-registration course in Occupational Therapy (Occupational Science) at the School of Health. For further details of the Occupational Therapy course and other courses go to: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/school-of-health/