Director's Update
Greetings from the Director, Welcome/hello, Boozhoo/Pooshoo, Bienvenue/Bonjour
Lynn Shaw, PhD
Reflections on my first 6 months in serving the School of Occupational Therapy.
Our students and graduates
When I began my term as Director of the School of Occupational Therapy in January, I was so pleased to hear that the Class of 2022, the first cohort to complete the new curriculum, were successful on the National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination (NOTCE) and moving into practice.
In February I met with the two student council co-presidents from the Class of 2023 and together we planned a welcome back lunch to meet and greet the class as they were completing the end of their second year in the program.
In our OT9652 course, our second-year students committed to 11 community partner projects including: Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, ATN, Cheshire Independent Living Services, Community Living London, Community Pediatric Mental Health/Shannon Rolph, Growing Chefs! Ontario, Indwell (London), Indwell (St Thomas), Kidsability, and LIFESPIN. The partner organizations were very appreciative of our student's work. As an example, the student group that worked with LIFESPIN focused on access to the internet among local seniors served by the organization. Students conducted a telephone survey of older adults to determine needs and barriers related to internet use, and developed resources to support internet use among older adults.
My reflection is positive! Our students are exceptional and they are ready for the challenges in the future of OT, especially in the demonstration of new competencies that will assist all of us in advancing the ‘understanding of how colonialism can affect everyone’s ability to participate in desired occupations.’ Congratulations to our newest graduates.
Accreditation and strategic mapping
The 2023-24 academic year marks our start of the preparation for reaffirmation of accreditation. Our self-study commences this fall and the processes will be completed in 2024. This spring/summer will be focused on the development of our new strategic mapping, continued development of academic and research partners and advancing our student placements.
Recent and upcoming events
We held an alumni event at the Saskatoon CAOT conference that was attended by members of several graduating classes from Western OT.
We invite you to join the School at the OSOT conference at the RBC Centre in London for the delivery of the Distinguished Barbara Sexton Lectureship by Dr. Debbie Rudman on October 27, 2023.
Our teaching
The School completed a major modification of the curriculum in 2018-2020. This forward-thinking occupation-based approach and an innovative conceptual framework is aligned with the future needs of occupational therapy and sets the stage for students to develop entry-to-practice competencies (the new 2021 Canadian Occupational Therapy Competencies COTC).
Our research
Click to enlarge
To showcase the successes and contributions of the School of Occupational Therapy during 2022, we have developed an infographic that highlights our scholarly impact. We continue to excel in conducting research that matters in health and wellbeing, social inclusion and social justice. Our researchers and students through research make the impossible possible.
Our partnerships
We are pleased to be advancing innovations with our partners. With London Health Science Centre, we are working on increasing the capacity for learners in placements and exploring leadership opportunities for student and faculty research. With Fanshawe College, we are exploring ways to collaborate between the OTA/PTA program and the School of Occupational Therapy.
It is a privilege to work and serve among faculty, staff and students who advance opportunities for people to thrive in their chosen occupations and advance knowledge in the study of occupation, occupational participation and the practice of occupational therapy. Join me in feeling a true sense of awe in the strength of our people and programs as we celebrate their accomplishments and outstanding contributions.
Lynn Shaw, PhD
Director, School of Occupational Therapy
