Era V - 2000 and Beyond

Technology is playing a huge impact on the development of OT. Speech recognition software, adaptive equipment, wheelchairs, computer software programs, and electronic environmental controls have assisted in the facilitation of clients into their daily activities.

The pace of OT has shifted and places a large component on communication and client centred practice. The demand for evidence to validate services and to meet the demands of payors is a driving force.

In 2002 the CAOT issued a position statement related to entry level educational preparation. Effective 2008, CAOT will only grant academic accreditation to those occupational therapy educational programs that lead to a professional Master's degree in occupational therapy as the entry credential.

Early in the new millennium Ontario occupational therapists participating in an OSOT visioning workshop identified the following 5 critical priorities to address to assure a vibrant future for the profession in Ontario;

• Assuring access to occupational therapy services - particularly accessing extended health coverage of OT services and defining a role for occupational therapy in primary care.

• Supporting and assisting members to integrate evidence into practice - fostering knowledge transfer.

• Transitioning to master level entry education.

• Promoting & facilitating professional networking - a must!

• Promoting the profession of occupational therapy - assuring a strong future.

• Promoting a focus and recognition of OT in work practice.