Occupational therapy and its roles in implementing the WHO/UNICEF global report on assistive technology

Abstract

Occupational therapy, people, and assistive technology have a longstanding relationship. Occupational therapists have the broadest scope of allied health practice across the breadth of assistive products and advisory services. This commentary revisits key foundations of occupational therapy and assistive technology practice. It then examines the recent recommendations made within the inaugural WHO/UNICEF Global Report on Assistive Technology. Drawing on international exemplars of diverse practice and leadership linked to each of the reports Recommendations, this article demonstrates core roles for occupational therapists as leaders and change agents in delivering on the imperatives identified for assistive technology and assistive technology users globally.