THE IMPORTANCE OF JUSTICE , EQUITY , DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ( JEDI ) WITHIN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
DALMINA ARIAS , OTD , OTR / L , RUBY LOERA , COTA , DIVYA SOOD , OTD , OTR / L , SHANNON VOGEL , OTR / L , QMHP , SAMANTHA WALLENBERG , MS OTD OTR / L
The field of occupational therapy ( OT ) was founded on principles of justice ( Aldrich , Boston & Daaleman , 2017 ); however , just as occupation can lead to justice , it can also lead to injustice ( Lavalley & Johnson , 2020 ). Occupational therapy practitioners must acknowledge the influence sociopolitical structures have on occupation and how these effects can lead to injustices and inequities . Occupational therapy practitioners are responsible for implementing Justice , Equity , Diversity , and Inclusion ( JEDI ) -oriented reasoning into their practice and teachings . Unfortunately , issues surrounding these topics are rarely taught in the occupational therapy curriculum , and the profession seldom asserts itself in addressing such matters ( Aldrich , Boston & Daaleman , 2017 ). Failing to challenge social and political structures of oppression makes the profession complicit in upholding them .
Justice is foundational for establishing a practical and actionable plan for achieving diversity , equity , and inclusion ( DEI ). Justice must be at the forefront of our thoughts and pursuits as practitioners and students to truly impact DEI . Justice is already asking us to take action outside of what affects us and look into what is impacting those experiencing injustice .
Barriers to enabling occupational justice include a lack of acknowledging it within practice ( Townsend & Marval , 2013 ). The field of occupational therapy should have more opportunities to integrate JEDI-oriented research and scholarship into practice . We can do this by using our well-known strengthsbased frameworks to identify solutions and foster change .
This article discusses the formation and purpose of the JEDI Special Interest Section ( SIS ), which is to propagate positive change by enabling meaningful conversations and creating practical solutions to encourage social transformation within the field . The JEDI SIS aims to help hold IL- OTA accountable to the profession ' s responsibility of integrating justice into our practice .
Formation of JEDI SIS
In 2021 , the DEI SIS began with the efforts of Samantha Wallenberg . A survey was released to understand the needs of ILOTA members related to DEI . A committee was then developed that included four co-chairs and grew to what it is today : JEDI SIS . During the initial meetings with committee members of JEDI SIS , the co-chairs conducted informal focus groups to identify the mission , vision , and objectives of the committee .
Vision Statement : To advance
ILOTA ’ s commitment to acknowledging and addressing challenges within the field of OT surrounding JEDI by increasing awareness and engaging in actionable , evolving efforts .
Mission Statement : To be an all-encompassing resource that encourages respectful participation , open and transparent dialogue , and mutual understanding surrounding JEDI . We envision ILOTA members becoming empowered to advocate for JEDI , practice cultural humility , and implement the core values guiding the committee within their daily practice . We believe the first step is to become self-aware of biases and values that influence daily interactions within clients , families , and the interdisciplinary team .
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