Diversity matters: guiding principles on diversity and culture

Abstract

Following the congress in Sydney in 2006, which highlighted culture and diversity in occupational therapy, the WFOT Council decided to prepare a document discussing approaches to this theme. This article addresses the results of the project. The document aims to encourage occupational therapists worldwide to discuss, appreciate and incorporate diversity and culture into their daily practice, education and research to meet the occupational needs of people throughout the world. Project management methodology was used to develop the document; involving a process of reciprocal discussions between project leaders and a feedback group until consensus was reached. Discovering the various ways in which people perform occupations in relation to their culture and giving them meaning can be a challenging and enriching experience for everybody involved, both clients and therapists. The article introduces the four guiding principles of the document. How the document can be used in practice is also discussed