Introduction/Rationale: Ableism, the systemic discrimination against people with disabilities, remains pervasive in occupational therapy (OT) research, education, industry, and practice. Despite OT’s commitment to inclusion, only 4.7% of practitioners identify as disabled (Zippia, 2023), highlighting barriers to entry and retention. Addressing ableism is essential to fostering a representative workforce and enhancing equitable service provision.
Objectives:
-
Present findings from pre- and post-session survey data collected at AOTA INSPIRE to evaluate the impact of educational strategies on practitioners understanding of ableism.
-
Provide guidance on implementing similar educational approaches internationally to advance anti-ableism efforts in OT.
Methods/Approach: This session will present findings collected from attendees of an AOTA workshop on ableism in OT, including changes in attendees’ awareness, perceived barriers, and confidence in applying anti-ableism strategies. Findings will be discussed in relation to their implications for global OT education, practice, industry, and research. Attendees will engage in discussion on how to adapt anti-ableist educational methods to different cultural and professional contexts.
Results/Practice Implications: Insights gleaned from participating in the presentation will provide concrete and innovative strategies for dismantling ableism, inspiring change in the profession, and improving disability inclusion across OT education, practice, research, and industry globally.
Conclusion/Significance to the OT Profession: Attendees will gain practical tools and strategies to foster inclusive education and practice within their own contexts, a critical step in supporting global efforts to dismantle ableism in OT and enhance diversity and inclusivity of the OT profession worldwide.