CAOT Practice Networks

CAOT practice networks are created when a core group of CAOT Members and Associates with similar interests are identified and there is a need to create a forum. The primary goal of the networks is to build capacity related to the area. The practice networks may also (1) provide vision, resources and action for the work of CAOT; (2) provide opportunities for networking and mentoring, (3) and lobby for occupational therapy services.

	The Students and New Practitioners Practice Network The Students and New Practitioners Practice Network has been developed to meet the needs of students and new practitioners in Canada. This Practice Network will provide a variety of resources and networking opportunities to encourage leadership, collaboration, enablement, accountability, scholarship, and advocacy within the profession of occupational therapy. Learn more
	OTA/PTA Practice Network Debra Cooper This Practice Network strives to connect OTs and OTAs, while advocating and educating about the OTA role to allow for further collaboration between the professions. Please come join the discussion or to have any OTA practice questions answered. New members are welcome.
	Technology for Occupation and Participation Technology, whether rehabilitative, adaptive, occupation-related, or as a means to assess or deliver therapy, is a constant in occupational therapy practice. Enhancing competency and capacity in practice with advancing technology is a necessity for specialists, and considering the pervasiveness of technology will be a necessity for all occupational therapists. Learn more
	Occupational Therapy and Global Health Practice Network The Global Health Practice Network allows occupational therapists and students throughout Canada to communicate, collaborate, support each other and share their experiences, expertise and opportunities in global health and social inclusion. Learn more

	Occupational Justice for Newcomers Network This network launched in 2017, following the arrival of over 40,000 Syrian refugees who were welcomed to Canada in 2016/2017. This increase in refugees brought greater public attention to the wellbeing of the newcomer population in Canada and has further highlighted the need for meaningful occupational opportunities for newcomers. The existing research on this topic demonstrates the strong contributions OT can make toward the successful re-settlement and integration of refugees, as well as the need for greater OT involvement with newcomers living with disabilities. The launch of this network was motivated by the desire to build OT capacity in Canada to address these opportunities and needs. Learn more

	Occupational Therapists and Sensory Processing Individuals with sensory processing challenges and their families should have access to evidence-informed collaborative health services. Occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to provide a developmental and holistic perspective on how sensory processing and motor planning challenges interfere with an individual’s occupational performance. The OTSP Network promotes, develops, and supports the role of occupational therapy and occupational therapists in the provision of evidence informed interprofessional assessment and intervention for those with sensory processing and motor planning challenges across the lifespan. Learn more

	Occupational Therapists Working in Dementia Care Engagement in meaningful occupations, be they leisure, social, self-care, volunteer, productive, and/or physical in nature, is important to the health and well-being of all Canadians. CAOT recognizes that there is a need to support opportunities for occupational engagement for older adults,regardless of health or disability status. Having an understanding of the dynamic relationship between the person, occupation, and environment can uniquely position occupational therapists to provide client centered, evidence-based services for the growing cohort of older adults. Learn more

	Occupational Therapy and Indigenous Health Network Occupational therapists can partner with Inuit, Metis and First Nations peoples to influence the health, well-being and self-determination efforts of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people. Occupational therapists recognize that Indigenous people have specific health and life challenges. Occupational therapists can engage in ongoing partnerships, education and research to provide accessible, meaningful and culturally safe occupational therapy services with Indigenous peoples. Learn more

	Occupational Therapy in Vision Rehabilitation Network The OTVRN began in 2016 when Tanya contacted CAOT to begin a conversation about the need to promote occupational therapy in vision rehabilitation. CAOT was quick to respond and a Water Cooler Talk Low Vision Rehabilitation: Practice Possibilities for Occupational Therapists, was held. An impromptu email correspondence began between three occupational therapists interested in continuing the conversation. In less than two weeks, the group had expanded with occupational therapists from across Canada speaking up. CAOT agreed to create a network to further support the development of occupational therapy involvement in the area of low vision rehabilitation. Learn more

	Palliative and End-of-Life Care Practice Network Occupational therapy can bring valuable perspectives and contributions to palliative and end-of-life care for any person. Equally, palliative approaches can be useful even beyond imminent end-of-life situations. The End-of-Life and Palliative Care Practice Network is here to actively engage Canadian occupational therapists toward greater awareness of palliative and end-of-life care and how it relates to professional practice and to bring the valuable contribution of occupational therapy to the attention of those developing, supporting and delivering palliative and end-of-life care. Learn more

	Poverty and Occupational Therapy Network A network of CAOT members who are interested in exploring and understanding poverty and the effects and implications for occupational therapy practice. Learn more

	Retired Member Practice Network The CAOT Retired Member Network started in 2016 in response to CAOT members, who are retired or considering retirement, who expressed a desire to remain in touch with the profession and CAOT. The Purpose and Objectives were determined in collaboration with those who either attended one of the first two meetings or expressed interest in the Network. Learn more

	Suicide and OT Practice Network This Practice Network formed in 2016 and meets every two months with the purpose of promoting, developing, and supporting the role of occupational therapy and occupational therapists in the area of suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention by providing opportunities for leadership, networking, and building capacity. Learn more

	Sexuality and Occupational Therapy Practice Network Sexuality is a part of human nature, regardless of a person's physical, cognitive, or emotional state. However, health care professionals rarely explore the topic of sexuality with their clients. As occupational therapists, we should have the knowledge and resources to support our clients' needs with respect to their sexuality. A CAOT Sexuality and Occupational Therapy Practice Network will provide its members with up to date resources, a platform to share experiences and knowledge, and the opportunity to build their capacities to help their clients live a meaningful, fulfilling life. Learn more

Creating a new network

If you would like to create a new CAOT Occupational Therapy Network or to re-establish an inactive network:

Ensure your idea for a new CAOT Occupational Therapy Network is intended to meet the primary goal of building capacity.
Complete this electronic form to describe the need for a new network and to indicate if you are willing to be a chair.
If desired, share the link to the electronic form with other occupational therapists across Canada who will be interested in participating in this network.

For more information about the Occupational Therapy Networks, please contact us at practice@caot.ca