Introduction/Rationale: Occupational therapy (OT) programs have a responsibility to prepare practitioners who can address diverse client needs and embrace human variation. Traditional admissions processes often prioritize academic metrics, which can overlook the unique experiences and perspectives of underrepresented applicants. Integrating intersectionality into holistic admissions fosters equity and inclusion by valuing diverse identities and non-traditional pathways, ensuring a student body reflective of the communities the profession serves.
Objectives:
1. Highlight the role of intersectionality in advancing diversity and inclusion in OT education.
2. Develop strategies for holistic admissions that evaluate applicants comprehensively beyond traditional metrics.
3. Mitigate implicit biases in admissions processes to enhance accessibility.
4. Demonstrate how diversity-focused admissions strengthen educational outcomes and professional preparation.
Methods/Approach: This initiative evaluates and redesigns admissions processes through the lens of intersectionality and diversity. Strategies include:
• Training admissions committees to identify and address implicit biases.
• Implementing rubric-based assessments that value life experiences and resilience.
• Aligning admissions criteria with the values of equity, inclusion, and person-centered care.
• Ensuring collaboration across faculty to maintain equity and excellence.
Results/Practice Implications: Holistic admissions that integrate intersectionality increase accessibility for underrepresented groups and foster diverse cohorts prepared to address systemic inequities in healthcare. By valuing human variation, OT programs create a pipeline of practitioners capable of delivering inclusive, culturally responsive care.
Conclusion: Embedding intersectionality into admissions processes strengthens the profession’s commitment to equity and inclusion, fostering social justice and accessibility in education and practice.