Disability
Feature
A bleOTUK officially launched on Tuesday 27 July 2021 . A volunteer-led occupational therapy network / advocacy group for practitioners , students , researchers and educators with lived experience of disabilities / long-term health conditions , the founding members felt the concept of such a support group was needed , due to experiences of ableism with the profession .
We picked July for the group ’ s launch , as this is Disability Pride Month , an international annual event first celebrated in 1990 . It started as a one-day event , but since 2015 the entire month has become an annual event worldwide to celebrate disabled people and the diversity of the community .
Its aim is to shine a light on physical , learning , hidden disabilities and mental health conditions , by enabling open conversations about disability , encouraging people to share experiences , raise awareness and challenge barriers , while celebrating diversity and pride with the community .
In 2017 , Ann Magill designed a Disability Pride Month flag , which she updated in October 2021 . Its black background represents the colour of mourning for those who have suffered from ableist violence and rebellion and protest , while the five colours represent the variety of needs and experiences .
The team behind AbleOTUK is made up of occupational therapists and students with lived experiences of disabilities and or long-term health conditions .
Its aim is to provide a voice and safe space for occupational therapy practitioners , students , researchers and educators who have lived experience of disability or long-term health conditions .
During the launch , the team pledged to maintain a Twitter account and website that :
• Challenges the culture of ableism within services and organisations .
• Shares stories and lived experiences of occupational therapists with disabilities .
• Advocates for those with lived experience of disability , both in the occupational therapy community and the general public .
• Bridges the gap in current culture and encourages values driven practice .
• Promotes the lived experiences of disability as an asset to the profession , including unique perspectives , skills , knowledge and experiences .
• Campaigns for a more inclusive and supportive culture that welcomes those with
Evidence link
Friedman and VanPuymbrouck ( 2021 ) conducted a longitudinal observational study to explore the impact of occupational therapy graduate education on students ’ explicit and implicit disability attitudes . Students from three Midwestern US programmes completed the Symbolic Ableism Scale and Disability Attitude Implicit Association Test at the beginning of the programme ( n = 67 ), after year 1 ( n = 59 ), after year 2 ( n = 47 ) and at graduation ( n = 53 ). Statistical analysis revealed explicit disability attitudes decreased from when students began their programme ( moderate explicit bias ) to graduation ( slight explicit bias ). However , there were not statistically significant differences in students ’ implicit attitudes , with most ( 68 %) implicitly ableist at graduation . The authors identify a need for further dialogue on the existence of ableism in programme content , potential impact on future interactions with people who access services , and development of approaches to address it .
Friedman C , VanPuymbrouck L ( 2021 ). Impact of occupational therapy education on students ’ disability attitudes : a longitudinal study . American Journal of Occupational Therapy , 75 ( 4 ), 1 – 11 .
lived experience of disability or chronic ill health .
• Develops and facilitates CPD events and open discussions that help tackle the status quo .
• Provides resources for occupational therapists with lived experiences of disability to seek support and advice on topics such as placement , disclosure , reasonable adjustments , access to work , admissions into the course and Health and Care Professions Council registration .
The Disability Pride Month flag , created by Ann Magill
July 2022 OTnews 41