The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is the national organization that supports more than 20,000 occupational therapists (OTs), occupational therapist assistants (OTAs) and students who work or study in Canada. OTs improve the health and well-being of Canadians by working in partnership with people and communities that help them participate more fully in activities that are important to their everyday lives. CAOT provides resources, services and learning opportunities that assist OTs in achieving excellence in their professional practice. Additionally, CAOT provides leadership in the development and promotion of the occupational therapy profession in Canada and internationally. 

MANDATE : A healthier, more inclusive world through occupational therapy practice and influence

PURPOSE : Occupational therapy will be fully energized as a transformative practice for health promotion, participation, belonging, quality of life, justice, and equity with clients (including individuals, families, groups, and communities) and systems. Occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapist assistants (OTAs) will be seen as both an essential part of Canadian health and social systems and as profound influencers for a more inclusive, healthier society.

PRIORITIES : 

  • Mobilize strategic partners for equitable, sustainable, and accessible health and social systems
  • Advance relationship-focused occupational therapy practice and innovation
  • Support OTs and OTAs as leaders and influencers
  • Nourish a thriving and inclusive occupational therapy community and workforce

GUIDING PRINCIPLES :

  • Position occupational therapy as fundamentals for health promotion, participation, belonging, and quality of life
  • Maintain quality of practice, member value, and financial sustainability
  • Embed justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and sustainability into all activities
  • Facilitate safer spaces for the profession to have important conversations

CAOT’S STRATEGIC PLAN 2023-2026

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Serving the profession since 1926, CAOT works on behalf of it members to: 

  • Improve access to, and utilization of, occupational therapy by advocating to government and health care decision-makers for better recognition of the contribution occupational therapy brings to the health of Canadians,
  • Advance and enhance career opportunities with professional development and practice resources that are current, relevant and affordable,
  • Steward and safeguard the profession by accrediting occupational therapy programs in Canada and administering the National Occupational Therapy Certification Exam (NOTCE),
  • Foster a sense of community that encourages pride in, and strengthening of the occupational therapy profession through networking, innovation, knowledge exchange, and caring.

CAOT ANNUAL REPORTS



2022-2023
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 Annual report cover 20-21
2021-2022
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Annual report cover 19-202020-2021
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 Annual report 2018-2019 2019-2020
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CAOT Code of Ethics   

HISTORY

  • Occupational therapy was conceived of during the 1914-1918 World War when disabled soldiers were provided with vocational training in military hospitals to help return them to a useful, independent life. 

  • As therapy through occupation proved restorative, the profession’s founders took steps to formalize support of this practical, purposeful vocation through skills training and standard setting.

  • The national association, Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy (later Therapists), was founded in 1926, to ensure that this emerging profession would have a future across Canada.  The founders were President Dr. Goldwin Howland, Vice-President Dr. Alexander Primrose, Secretary MJ Dunlop and seven members of the board.

CAOT PROCEDURES

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