Introduction/Rationale: Since the development of occupational therapy in the Brazilian context, social issues and the profession’s role in legitimizing rights and fostering individuals’ emancipation have been central concerns. The Metuia network exemplifies this perspective, shaping the theoretical framework that underpins what is now recognized as Social Occupational Therapy.
Objectives: This report aims to illustrate a tangible example of the work carried out by this interinstitutional academic network, specifically the Metuia Cerrado branch at the University of Brasília.
Methods/Approach: The initiative presented here was conducted through the university extension project “Metuia Cerrado Laboratory: Practices and Knowledge in Social Occupational Therapy”, in partnership with a social institution serving individuals with intellectual disabilities. Through a needs assessment carried out by the project, it was possible to develop actions that contribute to legitimizing the profession within the service. In Brazil, occupational therapy plays a role in public policies related to social assistance.
Results/Practice implications: Through engagement with occupational therapists in the service and the multidisciplinary team, it was possible to draft a information document on the role of occupational therapy within the national social assistance system.
Conclusion/Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: This initiative contributed to a better understanding of the profession among some team members and equipped the service’s occupational therapists with resources to strengthen their professional practice in the field of social assistance. This provided them with a framework to substantiate and validate their work within the social assistance Brazilian system.