Community Development in Occupational Therapy Education

Abstract

Occupational therapists consider community-centered practices such as community development essential practice domains. In some parts of the world, community development is strongly embedded in occupational therapy practice, while in other places this approach is emerging and need strengthening. This chapter outlines the synergy between occupational therapy, community development, sustainable development, and critical citizenship. In doing so, it will consider the profession's understanding of the value of an occupational perspective in critically addressing community issues and aiming for sustainable development. A module to prepare occupational therapy students for their potential role in community development processes is associated with case studies from three different continents. These examples give a rich image of community development approaches within occupational therapy practice.