World OT Day was initiated to provide a format in which therapists and students can participate regularly in the international development work of WFOT. Over many years, member organizations have created Occupational Therapy Days, Weeks and/or Months, so that creating an international day of celebration seemed logical. With the approval by WFOT Council in 2010, the date of 27 October became official. Through this commemorative event, occupational therapists and students actively promote the international side of their chosen profession, thus increasing the awareness of occupational therapists and society of the truly global impact of occupational therapy.
In 2010, 27 October was named World Occupational Therapy Day. WFOT Member Organizations promote and celebrates occupational therapy successes using this day as a focus. Much preparation surrounds the build-up to the actual day. Occupational therapists around the world use culturally appropriate activities which promote some aspect of occupational therapy or the profession as a whole. Interactive games days, videos, website development all contribute to make this a special day. WFOT provides a wide variety of support materials including logo, posters and general information about occupational therapy. Associations can place information and links about World Occupational Therapy Day on national associations’ websites, as well as employers/university webpage or intranet. Examples of activities undertaken include sending a press release or article about World Occupational Therapy Day to the local hospital or university newsletter, local radio station and newspaper; arranging a fund raising event such as a quiz, sports activity, competition to support a WFOT project, or organizing a local event in a school or shopping mall to promote occupational therapy as a career.
World OT Day is also the opportunity to do fund raising to contribute to the support of the WFOT volunteer work and to assist in the development of the profession globally.
Over the years, groups of occupational therapists have taken the opportunity to provide global events to coincide with World OT Day.
OT4OT — 24 hour virtual exchange: Every year OT4OT has hosted the free 24-hour virtual exchange — 1 hour presentations by different speakers from all over the world time, zone by time zone, and presented in 2012, for example in English and Spanish. WFOT are collaborating with OT4OT this year to promote the 24-hour virtual exchange that will be held on the 3rd November. This is a free event for occupational therapists, students and assistants to join wherever you are located in the world. Explore more about OT4OT on their newly launched website www.ot4ot.com.
OT Global Day of Service (OTGDS): Another is the OTGDS started by a university programme and expanded into a collaborative effort. WFOT is partnering with www.promotingot.org to support the OTGDS. Occupational therapists around the world offer volunteer community service as individuals or as organizations. This is also a unique opportunity for social participation. The Global Day of Service can include free professional, creative or organizational services. Over the years, thousands of participants have worked with multiple colleagues or groups of students and volunteered in a variety of settings. Some examples include, presentations, lectures, information sessions all aimed to teach members of the community the importance of occupational therapy. Voluntary service and treatment were provided for individuals within the community who require occupational therapy services. Events were geared toward educating individuals with disabilities and their families about ways to accomplish potentially challenging tasks.
Make this year another great World OT Day for the promotion of global occupational therapy. Materials are available for download from the WFOT website Resource Centre: www.wfot.org.
Acknowledgement: WFOT Executive Director Ritchard Ledgerd.
