As an expert change agent, OTs advocate both on behalf of the client as well as on behalf of occupational therapy in the interest of advancing the profession. Throughout my clinical fieldwork experiences in school-based community and rehabilitation clinic environments, I have developed key skills that encompass those of an expert change agent.

 

An example of when I advocated for occupational needs of a client was during my second placement at the rehabilitation clinic when I assisted a client who had to leave his job due to a spinal cord injury. I helped him obtain funding services and wrote a letter to his employer at work as to why he could not return to work. Furthermore, because of added financial need, I referred him to a social worker within our clinic to further help him with financial assistance, as this was triggering his past symptoms of depression.

 

An example of when I advocated for the role and benefits of occupational therapy was during my first placement when I had the opportunity to attend and help deliver a handwriting program training session (ABC boom) with my preceptor. My preceptor put me in charge of educating the teachers why occupational therapy has added benefits when it comes to understanding the needs of children with handwriting and why it is best to incorporate a multisensory handwriting program for children. I touched on OTs role within the school system and how we are emerging towards more educative and consultative approaches. Even now, when an opportunity presents itself to act on communicating the role of occupational therapy, I take initiative to articulate our profession concisely and clearly and adapt its relevance to the practice context.