Introducing a Concept: "Occupational Justice"

The NAPA-OT Field School aims to promote
"occupational justice," sharing concepts, theories,
practice and resources to help bridge structural
inequalities that prevent communities, families
and individuals from participating in their society's
valued activities. Occupational justice works with
those whose desires and potential abilities have
been damaged or frustrated by, natural disaster,
political oppression, structural violence, environmental
degradation, racism, sexism and exclusion
based on impairment or disability.

Classic occupational therapy, founded with roots in social
reform movements, aims to use low-tech, sustainable,
naturally-occurring daily activities.

This is true of occupational justice approaches such as
teaching developmentally appropriate expressive
play techniques with children suffering from war
trauma in Kosovo. But occupational justice can
equally call for access to medical services and more
high-tech accommodations, depending on the
social and economic environment.