These conversations also gave insight into the different lens each person and country brought to their experience of congress . The sense of belonging afforded through these new friendships alleviated anxiety from a potentially daunting professional environment , and shed light on the meaning making of congress by each of us .
Our conversations are continuing online with colleagues to look at international placement opportunities , sharing resources about the emerging role of occupational therapy within social transformation projects or ‘ eco-solidaire ’ and future social occupational spaces that engender critical dialogue and reflexivity ( Farias et al 2019 ).
The critical dialogical approach outlined by Farias et al ( 2019 ) can promote ‘ collaborative knowledge generation and examination of taken-for-granted understandings that shape individuals ’ assumptions and actions ’.
Farias K et al ( 2019 ) Critical dialogical approach : A methodological direction for occupation-based social transformative work , Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy , 26 ( 4 ): 235-245 , DOI : 10.1080 / 11038128.2018.1469666
Pollard N , Sallekariou D ( 2017 ) Occupational therapy on the margins , WFOT Bulletin , 73 ( 2 ): 71-75 . DOI : 10.1080 / 14473828.2017.1361698 .
Van Bruggen H , Kantartzis S , Pollard N ( 2020 ) ‘ And a seed was planted …’ Occupation based approaches for social inclusion . Whiting & Birch Ltd .
The dialogue between international colleagues espoused by the sites was transformative and unlikely to have been achieved via participation and engagement in the WFOT Congress alone ...”
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Words LINDSAY TRURAN , Senior Lecturer , Occupational Therapy Degree Apprenticeship , University of Hertfordshire
April 2023 OTnews 43