Annual conference
We all have a part to play in ensuring the changed world we live in is accessible , says digital accessibility expert
Hector Minto , Lead Accessibility Evangelist ( Director ) at Microsoft and Access Ambassador for the Technology and Web sector , urged all occupational therapists to actively join in the digital technology and accessibility agenda in his extremely popular session .
Having worked in the assistive technology world for 25 years , where he has met ‘ many thousands ’ of occupational therapists around the world in that time , Hector told delegates that digital skills and accessibility awareness are critical to the inclusion of everyone in our increasingly digital society .
‘ If we don ’ t get access right the rest of the innovation – the rest of everything we build – simply falls apart ,’ he said . ‘ The big tech companies around the world are starting to recognise that tech is everywhere and that it influences every person on the planet .’
Microsoft ’ s mission , he said , was to ‘ empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more ’.
Hector Minto
‘ Computer access is a human right ,’ he stressed . ‘ We ’ ve got to do more to make sure that this changed world we live in is accessible ’. He urged people to think about how much technology we access on a daily basis , and also to think about ourselves as service providers and to ask the question : How much technical requirement do we put on our clients , and are we being deliberately inclusive in all we do ?
Embracing the digital world
Digital skills and accessibility awareness are critical to the inclusion of everyone in our increasingly digital society . Computer access is a human right and occupational therapists have to do more to make sure that this changed world we live in is accessible to their clients . You can help the big tech companies bridge the digital divide , and work with them to ensure everyone you provide services to has access to the right resources and support .
Your questions answered when it comes to private practice
Have you wondered if private practice is for you , but felt too nervous or too inexperienced to consider it as a career option ?
In an engaging Skills Exchange session , Iva Ričko and Jessie Basra , experienced clinical leaders at The OT Practice – this year ’ s headline sponsor for Annual Conference – shared what is required to get started in private practice , based on their experience of transitioning into the private sector .
They defined ‘ private practice ’ and what that means for occupational therapists , and what ‘ day-to-day ’ practice for an independent practitioner looks like , covering scope of practice and the varied settings available for private sector work , which include community settings , statutory services and being clinic based . ‘ The beauty of occupational therapy is that no one therapist is the same , so we all bring different skills to the table and we can all learn from each other ,’ Jessie said .
The two gave delegates an overview of the opportunities and benefits of private practice , for both occupational therapists and clients , before opening up to conversation with delegates .
Occupational therapists themselves get autonomy and the opportunity to take a tailored approach to clients ’ needs , among other benefits , while clients get faster access , specialist assessment , an individualised approach and effective provision , Iva added .
Jessie Basra
Iva Ričko
July 2022 OTnews 19