Partnering for Change: collaborating to transform occupational therapy services that support inclusive education.

The United Nations champions inclusive education as a moral obligation, requiring equitable learning environments that meet all individuals' diverse learning needs and abilities, including children and youth. Yet the practice of inclusive education is variable and implementation challenges persist. A participatory action research framework was used to develop a solution, Partnering for Change (P4C), which is a tiered service delivery model that bridges health and education by re-envisioning occupational therapy services and transforming the role of the occupational therapist from a service provider for individual children to a collaborative partner supporting the whole school community. This perspective article will describe the P4C model and its evolution, and will outline how it has been implemented in Canadian and international contexts to facilitate children's inclusion and participation in educational settings.

Supporting occupational therapists implementing a capacity-building model in schools: Appuyer les ergothérapeutes mettant en œuvre un modèle de renforcement des capacités dans les écoles.

BACKGROUND: Adopting a new model of clinical practice is complex. Professional development programs based on best-practice principles may facilitate this process. PURPOSE: This paper describes the development and evaluation of a multifaceted professional development program designed to support school-based occupational therapists to deliver a capacity-building model of service. METHOD: Twenty-two therapists participated in the program; completed pre-post evaluations of knowledge, skills, and beliefs; evaluated specific components of the training program; and participated in focus groups. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed using a directed content analysis. FINDINGS: Therapists' perceptions of their knowledge and skills showed statistically significant change. Both training and mentorship were highly valued; however, having opportunities to build peer networks was considered essential. IMPLICATIONS: Multifaceted professional development programs designed using best-practice principles are an important mechanism for facilitating practice change. Including a process for peer support is advised.