Occupational Therapy and Inclusive Design : Principles for Practice

Occupational Therapy and Inclusive Design provides occupational therapy practitioners and students with the ability to confidently problem solve, clinically reason and make sound professional judgements regarding the suitability of products/artefacts and environments for their clients. The relevance of design concepts to Occupational Therapy are illustrated in a broad context with reference to the folklore of disability and disability discourse, the profession’s philosophy, conceptual models of practice, relevant legislation and review of Health and Social Care discourse. Ergonomic tools and techniques for practice are reviewed and related to the seven principles of Universal Design. Case scenarios are presented and illustrated with pictures and drawings to guide the reader through the inclusive design process as it relates to occupational therapists in a variety of settings. Additionally, the book aims to give a voice to occupational therapists as specifiers of equipment, property adaptations and increasingly, as advisors to new dwelling and other building projects, with the aim of influencing manufacturers and building agencies in the adoption of inclusive design principles at the product/building design phase. This publication’s unique focus is to present an integrated account of the relevant policy supporting service provision, in conjunction with core Occupational Therapy philosophy and the application of principles of Universal Design to case scenarios.