Welcome to OTnews
Welcome to the November issue , where we celebrate Disability History Month with an article that reflects on our profession ’ s connection to the disability movement .
On pages 12-15 , Rachel Booth-Gardiner and Dr Wendy Bryant , on behalf of ABLEOTUK , tell us something about the history of the event in the UK , before looking at current tensions in practice , attitudes and partnerships for progress .
You are invited to join AbleOTUK throughout November on its social media platforms , and there will also be a presentation at the OT Show , which takes place on 23-24 November in Birmingham , called ‘ Allyship : it ’ s time to make it a meaningful occupation ’.
Championing accessibility this month is a new charity called Access the Dales , which aims to support more people with access to the countryside . It recently hosted four students from Sheffield Hallam University on their extended scope placement , which focused on developing a sight guided walk for blind and partially sighted people and establishing hubs for people to hire free all-terrain wheelchairs . On pages 16-19 they share their experience in the hope they can shed some light on their opportunities and achievements and inspire other students with their story .
Other features this issue include a look at the work RCOT is doing with Health Education England on workforce reform ( pages 36-38 ), the principles of practicebased learning that have been jointly developed with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy ( pages 24-25 ), and an in-depth reflection on how RCOT is using the supervision audit data to support your development ( pages 20-22 ).
In other features , Awale Odeh wants to tell everyone about the role of an approved clinician , to inspire more of us to apply for the training ( pages 30-32 ). While on pages 26-28 , Joseph Bradley shares some of the common themes to emerge from The Yorkshire Fatigue Clinic ’ s recent evaluation of its occupational therapy interventions with people severely affected by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome .
Finally , on pages 40-41 , Dr Hazel Roddam and Dr Gillian Ward look at the Allied Health Professions ’ Research and Innovation Strategy for England and share why it ’ s so important for all occupational therapists .
Cover image :
© photos by Access the Dales
I ’ d love to hear from you
Tracey Samuels Editor
If you have any feedback about this issue of OTnews , or would like to contribute a short article or feature for a future publication , please email me at : editorial @ rcot . co . uk
November 2022 OTnews 3