Creating self and shaping the world

Abstract

Every day, through their daily occupations, people create and recreate themselves and shape the world in some way. This ongoing process is an important factor in maintaining or enhancing health for individuals and communities, as well as professional associations. It can also be a major determinant of dysfunction, disease, disability or death should regular engagement in occupation not meet the needs of the people or sustain a healthy environment. In order to illustrate how occupational therapists can create themselves and shape the world in a positive way, this paper tells the stories of three women, Octavia Hill, Elizabeth Casson and Betty McIntyre, who in different ways, places and times, pioneered our profession. The paper includes brief discussion about some of the influences on, and the influence of, these women and about how knowing and reflecting on their stories can influence our future. In part, this includes the need for us to understand the depth and strength of our heritage and the power of taking a proactive stance towards increasing sociopolitical awareness of occupational therapists' distinctive and often unappreciated view of the relationship between occupation and health. history, occupation, professional development, sociopolitical development. K E Y W O R D S

Exploring staff experience of an “enriched environment” within stroke rehabilitation: a qualitative sub-study

“…These findings reflect both existing data indicating that stroke patients in rehabilitation wards spend less than a fifth of their time in therapy and spend the majority of their day inactive and alone [34,36] and results from the EE implementation showing dramatic increases in activity following EE implementation [28]. Reports of improved mood in patients is consistent with research highlighting the need for community engagement, participation in meaningful activity and social interaction as essential in maintaining health in the stroke survivor [37]. The positive impact on reducing staff workload is consistent with the Transformation Theory as a model for implementing change.…”

Fine motor difficulties: The need for advocating for the role of occupational therapy in schools

“…There is an abundance of literature that highlights the importance of promoting the unique and important role of occupational therapists (for example, Dickenson, 2003; Jamnadas, Burns & Paul, 2001; Royeen & Marsh, 1988; Ungerer, 2002; Wilcock, 1999). Von Zweck (2004) suggested that there is a need for advocacy among therapists, to promote the unique contribution that occupational therapists can make to the lives of people.…”

21st Sylvia Docker Lecture (2008)

“…Ann Wilcock (1999b) challenged us to think differently about our practice and beliefs. She said '... we are in a rut, a valuable rut, but a rut for all that ...…”