Equity, Diversity, Justice, and Inclusion (EJDI)

Supporting Safety, Well‑Being, and Participation in Our Communities

OTAC stands with our fellow health care professionals and all members of our communities. We offer our deepest condolences to those who are grieving and our compassion to anyone feeling frightened or unsafe.

Occupational therapy is grounded in respect for human dignity, autonomy, justice, and the right to safe participation in daily life. As Occupational Therapy Practitioners, we are committed to fostering engagement, performance, and participation in the meaningful everyday activities that shape identity, promote belonging, and support physical and mental well‑being.

When community members, children, families, or health care workers experience trauma, fear, or violence—whether in health care settings, workplaces, schools, or public spaces—their ability to engage in these occupations is disrupted. Such experiences have profound impacts on health, participation, and overall well‑being. These are the domains OTPs are dedicated to supporting, advocating for and restoring.

Resources for Support

These resources are provided for general information only. OTAC does not endorse any organization, viewpoint, political position, or legal interpretation. Inclusion of a link reflects availability of public services—not organizational alignment or advocacy.

• Immediate crisis support: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call/text 988); local emergency services (911) for imminent danger.

• Worker safety & well‑being: Workplace violence prevention and de‑escalation resources from your employer and professional bodies; staff mental health and peer support programs.

• • The Joint Commission – Workplace Violence Prevention Resource Center
    Framework, policies, and training guidance for healthcare organizations
    https://www.jointcommission.org/en-us/knowledge-library/workforce-safety-and-well-being-resource-center/workplace-violence-prevention[jointcommission.org]

  • AHA – Workplace Violence Prevention Resources (toolkits, case studies)
    https://www.aha.org/websites/2015-12-17-workplace-violence-prevention-resources[aha.org]

  • NIOSH/CDC – OSHA Guidelines for Health Care & Social Service Workers
    https://wwwn.cdc.gov/WPVHC/Nurses/Course/Slide/Unit5_5[wwwn.cdc.gov]

  • OSHA – Workplace Violence Training & Other Resources
    Training materials, courses, and hotlines
    https://www.osha.gov/workplace-violence/resources[osha.gov]

  • AOTA – Community Violence Resources for OT Practitioners
    Professional guidance relevant to OT roles in prevention and response
    https://www.aota.org/practice/practice-essentials/aota-official-documents/community-violence-resources-for-occupational-therapy-practitioners[aota.org]

• Know‑your‑rights information: Reputable civil liberties and legal aid organizations provide nonpartisan guides, safety planning tools, and referral directories. 

• • Colorado Legal Services – Free civil legal aid
    https://www.coloradolegalservices.org/[coloradole...rvices.org]

  • RMIAN – Directory of nonprofit immigration legal service providers (CO)
    https://www.rmian.org/nonprofit-legal-service-providers-in-colorado[rmian.org]

• Client‑facing materials: Trauma‑informed, plain‑language handouts on stress, routines, school/work participation, and access to care.

• • SAMHSA – Trauma‑Informed Approaches & Programs
    Overview of TI principles (safety, trust, empowerment)
    https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/trauma-violence/trauma-informed-approaches-programs[samhsa.gov]

  • Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute – Printable Handouts
    Plain‑language worksheets: anxiety, grounding, de‑escalation, anger, wellness, etc.
    https://ctrinstitute.com/resources/printable-handouts/[ctrinstitute.com]

We recognize that members hold diverse perspectives. Our commitment is to safety, equity, and the restoration of participation for all.

Resources

We are working to expand our EDJI resources! Have a resource you think we should add to the page? Please email info@otacco.org

National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus (NBOTC)

The National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus was founded in 1974 to provide professional support and networking opportunities for Black Occupational Therapist practitioners.

The purpose of the National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus (NBOTC) is to act as an advocate for Black occupational therapy practitioners and occupational therapy students in order to enhance and promote their contributions to the occupational therapy profession, national and state associations, and public-at-large.

Learn more here!