Where Belonging Can Start
for OT Students
Purpose of Fostering the OT
Belonging is an essential part of the human experience. It is a basic need that we all have and can provide us with comfort in our environment, contributing to self-actualization.
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) identifies Vision 2025 as promoting well-being, quality of life, and inclusivity. The aim? Establishing workplace environments where occupational therapists with various viewpoints can collaborate and be heard.
However, to strive for this, the profession must take care of their enrolled students such as individuals of under-representation in their programs. Although some institutions help with supplementary resources for inclusivity, such as belonging, offering other options to advance the profession forward is important.
"Belonging is positively correlated with human well-being, is valued by the majority of the world’s people, and informs the meanings attributed to and derived from the occupations of culturally diverse people."
Karen R. Whaley Hammell
What Belonging Offers
When exploring Fostering the OT, one must understand how ideas and solutions are mapped together by different foundations of belonging. Knowing this will help users unlock an understanding of each section.
Read Definitions Below
Acceptance
Approval for who one is, without judgment or rejection.
Value
Purpose and meaning through one's connections and involvement in a particular group or community.
Connection
Affiliation to a certain group, community, or individual.
Emotional Safety
A feeling of safety, security, and support within a particular group or community.
Inclusion
Being included and valued as a part of a group or community.
Identity
A sense of uniqueness and self that is connected to one's involvement in a particular group or community.
Strategies for Cultivating a Sense of Belonging
The sections below are tailored to assist with perceived belonging, resiliency, and success to empower the next generation of OT practitioners.
Listen to stories that have the power to bring us together by establishing connections with students and professionals in occupational therapy.
Podcasts are a free way to learn from people with relatable experiences. Listening to these perspectives allows you to have actionable ideas toward life and the OT profession.
Be encouraged to take time out of your daily routine to deliberate on aspects such as self-identity, resilience, and more experienced in occupational therapy school.
Using affirmations allows you to train your mind to respond to unfamiliar academic circumstances to enhance perceived acceptance.
The practice of being mindful allows you to take each second as it comes and consciously appreciate your own value and inner journey.
OT students can use these links to learn about the impact of historically underrepresented students on educational success and alternative approaches for emotional safety and inclusion.