Ableism in Occupational Therapy: A Critical Qualitative Analysis of Disabled Practitioners' Experiences in the Profession

TL;DR

This study explores how disabled occupational therapy practitioners experience and navigate ableism within the profession.

Contribution

The study provides a critical qualitative analysis of disabled practitioners' experiences and offers actionable recommendations to improve inclusivity in occupational therapy.

Findings

Disabled occupational therapy practitioners face pervasive ableism in the profession.

Participants used social supports and accommodations to navigate workplace challenges.

Recommendations include improving accessibility and adopting disability-affirming practices.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore disabled occupational therapy practitioner (OTP) experiences of ableism in the occupational therapy profession.

This study used a critical qualitative approach led by three disabled occupational therapists and informed by disability studies theory. Researchers conducted 12 semistructured interviews with disabled OTPs. Interviews were analyzed using codebook thematic analysis.

Experiences of ableism were pervasive for OTPs with disabilities. Disabled OTPs experienced ideological, institutional, interpersonal, and internalized ableism in the profession. Participants described varying views of the culture of occupational therapy regarding disability. Participants navigated their work through the use of social supports, formal, informal, and self-accommodations, and coping strategies. Disabled OTPs also described how their disabilities informed their approaches to practice, including antiableist and disability-affirming approaches. Disabled OTPs readily identified room for change in the profession and provided recommendations for improving accessibility and inclusivity in OT.

Participants experienced disability oppression (ableism) in the profession. Structures and norms in the profession prioritized nondisabled ways of being that contributed to many of the barriers experienced. Participants' approaches and recommendations can help disrupt systems of ableism in occupational therapy.