Work

Occupational Therapy Perspectives on Health Care Enablers and Challenges in Serving Black People With IDD

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Participatory research in occupational science and therapy seeks to redress the occupational concerns of diverse communities. To explore occupational therapy practitioners' (OTP) perspectives on health enablers and barriers for Black people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). 23 OTPs, educators, and students participated in a World Café conference session. Participants were prompted to discuss facilitators, barriers, and the influence of OT on the health of Black adults with IDD. Three themes emerged: (a) Negotiating culturally specific and systemic understandings of health, (b) leveraging professional privilege and community partnerships to expand occupational possibilities and access, and (c) confronting implicit bias, racialized ableism, and structural barriers to health care and occupational engagement. OTPs are positioned as institutional agents of possibility and advocacy who can amplify client expertise, critically examine systemic barriers, and co-create health-promotion rooted in clients' realities. This study contributes to calls for anti-racist, justice-oriented OT praxis.

Source: OTJR Occupational Therapy Journal of Research

DOI: 10.1177/15394492261422692

Authors: Khalilah R. Johnson, Rebecca Parkin, Seth Mitchell

Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Language: English

Topic: Occupational Therapy Practice and Research

Subfield: Occupational Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,150