Diverse-OT: National Board

Diverse-OT is a non-profit organization that envisions a field of future occupational therapists who practice with cultural responsiveness and integrate principles of equity and inclusion in all they do. Diverse-OT is dedicated to enhancing the field of occupational therapy by providing opportunities to:

→Integrate equity and cultural responsiveness into the occupational therapy student experience

→Develop and support the recruitment of underrepresented students into occupational therapy programs through community outreach and mentoring

OUR MISSION
→Diverse-OT Corp. aims to advance the cultural climate within the occupational therapy profession. We strive to foster a strong community of critically reflexive occupational therapists and students equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide culturally relevant care to individuals, populations, and communities that they serve.

→As client populations continue to become increasingly diverse, culturally responsive practitioners are essential. Occupational therapists must practice with cultural humility and continuously analyze how socio-cultural assumptions, social positions, and biases intersect with client choices and freedoms. To accomplish this mission, Diverse-OT strives to:
→Recruit and retain underrepresented students into occupational therapy programs
→Increase occupational therapists’ and students’ knowledge of culturally responsive concepts and how to navigate crucial conversations with colleagues or classmates
→Emphasize the importance of reflection of the larger picture to promote awareness of how we operate within a system
→Create affirming work or learning environments in which all people are free to express themselves and are provided equal access and fair treatment

OUR VISION
→We envision a field of future occupational therapists who practice with cultural responsiveness and integrate principles of equity and inclusion in all they do. OUR VALUES
Our work will be guided and informed by our beliefs and commitments to:
→Advocacy – we strive to influence decisions within political, economic, and social institutions.
→Empowerment – we are committed to empowering the new generation of occupational therapists and the communities that we serve.
→Culturally Relevant Care – we respect individuals, communities, and populations, value diversity, and are committed to equity.
→Occupational Justice – we believe that all individuals have the right to participate in diverse and meaningful occupations.
→Community Partnerships – we are committed to a culture of teamwork and collaboration.