What is the current and practical role of occupational therapists in interpfoessional universal design teams?
Good afternoon Ms Menegalli,
Occupational therapist generally have a significant role to play within the interdisciplinary teams engaged in delivery of universal design. This is even more so the case when the design is a specific person centered. Whilst Building Regulations / Codes are beneficial to follow to provide for generic accessibility with in the built environment they tend to be too broad to be able to deal with the complexity of conditions and circumtsnaces that a certain individual may experience. In this instances occupational therapists have significant role to play.
For example, the Local Authorities in the UK have a role to play within facilitating adaptations for people with disabilities whereby occupational therapist play a significant role in providing guidance and support to the design / technical teams to achive the desired final outcome. You can see more about the approach in: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/7821/138595.pdf
Naturally, there role is not limited to adaptations. Their input and support to the wider design / technical team is very valuable when designing care facilities, special need housing and schools, and similar buildings.
With Best Wishes
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