Equity , diversity and belonging
It is important for us to recognise how our own cultural justice influences our clients and potentially impacts their health . Through this module and becoming newly qualified occupational therapists , we can advocate for cultures celebrating diversity and challenging inequality .”
Equity , diversity and belonging
We believe that our lecturers organised and delivered this module in an innovative way by highlighting and exploring these areas sensitively , thoroughly , and creatively . Listening to the lived experiences of the representatives from the affinity groups and external speakers was insightful for us .
All these speakers encouraged us to become listening and reflective practitioners with greater awareness of the barriers to occupational participation , which ultimately impact one ’ s self worth and identity .
Student reflections : So what ?
This module opened our eyes to both our own unconscious bias and that of the occupational therapy culture , which is through the western lens . Being aware of our own power and how others might see us , and vice versa , has been an incredible learning curve for all of us .
It is important for us to recognise how our own cultural justice influences our clients and potentially impacts their health . Through this module and becoming newly qualified occupational therapists , we can advocate for cultures celebrating diversity and challenging inequality .
Student reflections : Now what ?
Each of us have taken personal and professional responsibility to increase awareness of the occupational injustices experienced within our community . This module empowered us to advocate for individuals within the community who experience these issues by encouraging open discussions and increasing awareness within our placement presentations , workshops , and multidisciplinary team discussions .
My reflection : Alan Mathew
Having had first hand experiences of challenges joining the profession , being a part of professional / educational practice , and recognising the challenges that students , colleagues and stakeholders face , I have found it my growing mission over the last couple of years to ensure that people understand how race , ethnicity and wider factors influence occupation and how we view them .
My journey has also taken me down the pathway of exploring the nuance of experience that intersectionality has had on people ’ s experience of occupation and occupational therapy and has influenced my collaborative efforts , both in my educational practice , external projects and future .
I believe this is a vital requirement in occupational therapy education , given that gaps in professional practice and underpinnings have never been wider .
It is important for us to recognise how our own cultural justice influences our clients and potentially impacts their health . Through this module and becoming newly qualified occupational therapists , we can advocate for cultures celebrating diversity and challenging inequality .”
Working with like-minded people such as Sarah , Belinda and the students is always an absolute privilege . Having the opportunity to have key discussions in co-creating , developing , and disseminating this mini module has been a reciprocal experience in developing my own practices here at University of Salford .
The benefits of this learning have been widespread , and I can already see the positive benefit it has on students and how they perceive their understanding , practice and advocacy .
Next steps
Students have responded well to the safe learning space to explore these important issues . We have witnessed the emergence of some creative courage amongst our students to go into final placements and future practice as active allies committed to improving EDIB across our profession .
As a university , we plan to embed this into our third year learning and are now looking to explore ways to integrate this safe thinking and learning space earlier within our programmes . We are also looking to develop our collaborations with another HEI through some collaborative online student learning and discussion spaces .
Words ANNE-MARIE FADARE , BAMEOTUK , RACHEL BOOTH-GARDINER and KIRSTY STANLEY , AbleOTUK , HANNAH SPENCER and RACHAEL DANIELS , LGBTQIA + OTUK , ALAN MATHEW , University of Salford , SARAH MCGINLEY and BELINDA WILLIAMS , University of Southampton , and ELLIE CHRYSANTHOU , MARIETTA NAGY , REBECCA STACEY , GAIL PHILPOTT and ASHYA MACKLEY , University of Southampton students b . williams @ soton . ac . uk
December 2023 OTnews 23