Mission, Vision, Values
Occupational Therapy is guided by the belief that health and well-being is affected by and affects the nature and pattern of occupations in which persons engage. The goal of occupational science is to uncover and fully understand human occupation and its enablement. The goal of occupational therapy is to enable individuals and communities to engage in the occupations they need to, want to, or are expected to do. Intervention is client-centred and focuses on the person, the environment and the occupation, in interaction. This person-environment-occupation interaction occurs across the lifespan and changing life roles.
Mission
The Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy is committed to:
- providing excellence in research and teaching in occupational science and occupational therapy;
- contributing to the well-being of the population by advancing knowledge regarding engagement in life’s occupations;
- providing graduate and continuing education programs that enable occupational therapists to be leaders in research, clinical practice and the promotion of health and well-being.
Vision
Departmental Vision
International leadership in occupational science and occupational therapy research and education.
Curriculum Vision
Creating Leaders in Occupational Therapy: Our graduates are innovative professionals focused on enabling occupation and enhancing health and well- being. They are client-centred, occupation-based therapists, lifelong learners and educators, confident and competent scientist-practitioners, who demonstrate skills in and commitment to research.
Research Vision
Our science is focused on advancing the knowledge of occupation and its enablement. The systematic study of daily occupations and their meanings in the lives of people of all ages and abilities will serve to improve the life and well-being of individuals, families, groups, communities and societies, breaking through barriers encountered in all aspects of daily living.
Values & Beliefs
- Occupation: We believe in the value of occupation and its importance to health and well-being.
- Environment: We believe in the importance of the environment as an influence on occupation and quality of life.
- Dignity: We value cultural diversity and individual difference.
- Learning: We believe that people have the capacity to grow and change throughout their lifespan. We value self-directed, active learning and critical thinking.
- Knowledge: We are committed to advancing knowledge through excellence in research and teaching.
- Collaboration: We are committed to collaborative relationships and partnerships — inside our Department, within the University, and with the community.
- Accountability: We believe in ongoing evaluation as a means of monitoring all our endeavours.