An OTs View
Something I really admire about the occupational therapy (OT) profession, is that we are very cautious about using person-first language and we are inclusive with our practices and our vocabulary. To use person-first language, one would describe the client with the disability, not just describe the disability. You wouldn't say the stroke victim, you would say the client who has had a stroke. It may seem like a small gesture, but it gives the client a sense of dignity by not just defining them as their disability. Yes, they have this disability, but they are a person first. To be inclusive in practice, an OT must be culturally sensitive, competent, and responsive. We must be open and accepting of others up bringing, personal beliefs, and way of living. A term I really enjoy, and think is a good way to remember to accomplish these tasks is humanism . This means that you treat the client as a person instead of just like an object. We need to remember that we are all humans and