1991 Muriel Driver lecture. The environment: a focus for occupational therapy

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Disability Studies
• Occupational Therapy

Background:

• Environmental constraints significantly limit the active participation of individuals with disabilities in Canadian communities.
• Persistent inequities in participation and integration necessitate a focused approach to dismantle disabling environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine factors contributing to disabling environments, including the built environment, societal norms, and professional practices.
• To explore how occupational therapy theory and practice can better address environmental limitations on occupation.
• To describe principles for occupational therapy interventions aimed at transforming disabling environments.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of factors contributing to disabling environments.
• Examination of prevailing ideas about occupation and environment.
• Description of principles for occupational therapy intervention.

Main Results:

• Identified key factors creating disabling environments: built environment, societal norms, classification, perception of disability, and professional/bureaucratic power.
• Highlighted limitations in current occupational therapy approaches regarding environmental barriers.
• Proposed principles for intervention focused on environmental change.

Conclusions:

• Changing disabling environments requires a shift in occupational therapy practice.
• Interventions must be based on the desires and active participation of people with disabilities.
• Eliminating environmental constraints is crucial for equitable community integration.