From education to occupation: the story of Thomas Bessell Kidner

Thomas Bessell Kidner is well-known in the United States as a great contributor to occupational therapy. He is not well-known in Canada despite the fact that his first contributions to the profession were made here between 1900 and 1918.

To tell the story of Thomas Bessell Kidner and his impact on occupational therapy.

Interpretive biography research methods using archival materials, published papers and family papers.

Kidner's work as an organizer of manual training in elementary schools in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and as Director of Technical Education for Calgary prepared him for his work as Vocational Secretary of the Military Hospitals Commission during World War I. Kidner developed, implemented and oversaw the reeducation program for injured soldiers across Canada. It included bedside occupations, off-ward and curative workshop activities provided by ward aides, as well as industrial training and apprenticeships in the workplace.

Kidner's story stimulates us to revisit our profession's early emphasis on return-to-work. Knowing about our past helps occupational therapists to build a stronger identity.