When we have the humility to pay attention to the injustices occurring in the world around us, we recognise that we can become part of the solution. Solutions for a better tomorrow. In this episode I am joined by the incredible thought-leader and trail-blazer Emeritus Professor Gail Whiteford.
In this episode we discuss what occupational justice is, the importance of listening to people’s narratives, why we need to move away from the biomedical model, how we can bridge the gap between what we know intellectually with the courage to take action, why occupational therapist’s don’t need to ‘treat’ people, why we need to align our language with our OT philosophy, how to lead boldly and share our Truth, why we need to detach from the ‘professional’ status and work in partnership with people, and how occupational therapists around the globe can ignite a vision for the future of OT.
Emeritus Professor Whiteford Gail has had an insatiable curiosity for over three decades, learning and teaching on occupational justice and occupational deprivation. She has published extensively in the Journal of Occupational Science. Gail has served in clinical, managerial, research and consulting roles including for the Department of Foreign Affairs in Australia. Gail has given keynote addresses in 13 countries.
She has held a number of senior academic, executive and conjoint appointments in Australia, New Zealand and Canada and served as Australia’s first Pro Vice Chancellor of Social Inclusion. Gail developed and led the World Federation of Occupational Therapists – Occupational Narratives Data Base project and the book: Doing Our Best: Individual and Community Responses to Challenging Times published by OT Australia.
