Dreams, dilemmas, and decisions for occupational therapy practice in a new millennium: a Canadian perspective

This article presents the hope that, in the 21st century and the millennium it ushers in, the world will eliminate the concept of handicap by creating an environment where persons with different abilities can live with dignity. In this world, the focus of occupational therapy will shift from reducing impairment through purposeful activity to preventing handicap through enablement. Basic assumptions about occupational therapy and its values are provided, including that the ultimate goal of practice is the enablement of occupational competence.