Occupational therapists’ role in supporting development of racial identity and inclusion in young children

The profession of occupational therapy (OT) was founded on social justice principles of humanism and occupational participation necessary for inclusion in society (Bing, 1981). AOTA’s Vision 2025 has called for the OT profession to be intentionally inclusive and equitable and to embrace diversity of all clients, communities, and populations (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2017). Ongoing position statements from AOTA and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) demonstrate the profession of occupational therapy’s increased focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion across all practice areas (Grenier et al., 2020). Concepts such as cultural safety, indigenous health, diversity, inclusive health, and educational practices are increasingly important domains in occupational therapy (AOTA, 2016). In 2016, human rights was added as one of the five primary realms of practice in WFOT’s guiding principles (WFOT, 2018). It has become a priority for occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) to utilize culturally informed practice to participate in dismantling the systemic racism that contributes to disparities in health care, education, early child development, kindergarten readiness, and access to health care and occupational therapy services.