Re-Examining Concepts of Occupation and Occupation-Based Models: Occupational Therapy and Community Development

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A growing body of literature supports the role of occupational therapists in community development. Using a community development approach, occupational therapists respond to community-identified occupational needs. They work to build local resources and capacities and self-sustaining programs that foster change within the community and potentially beyond. PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to highlight some key issues related to occupational therapy practice in community development. KEY ISSUES: The definitions and classifications of occupation focus primarily on the individual and fail to elaborate on the shared occupations of a community. As well, occupation-based models of practice are not easily applied to occupational therapy practice in community development. IMPLICATIONS: In order for occupational therapy to articulate its role in community development, greater heed needs to be given to the definition and categorization of occupation, occupation-based models of practice, and their application to communities.