ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Occupational therapists value the principles of health and health care equity and often face challenges addressing inequities within the systems in which they work. PURPOSE: We present the Equity Lens for Occupational Therapy (ELOT), a framework to provide a practical starting point for reflecting on equity issues and the ways inequities are enacted in daily practice. KEY ISSUES: Building on an existing occupational therapy practice model and well-established program development and evaluation processes, we overlay an equity lens. The lens provides a structured way to critically reflect on occupational therapy programs within their contexts and develop action strategies to prevent or redress inequities. IMPLICATIONS: Taking action on the multiple ways that inequities can be embedded in occupational therapy programs within health and social systems can be a daunting task. The ELOT provides a systematic way to stimulate critical reflection and dialogue, examine practice, focus social advocacy, and take action.