Abstract
Background:
Lack of diversity in the OT profession and academic spaces can result in imposter syndrome and decrease in sense of belonging in current students and practitioners, which impacts retention and recruitment of these individuals. Affinity and professional groups have been used to support and unify specific races/ethnicities within a profession or organization (Guevara, 2013). The National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus (NBOTC) developed their organization in order to advocate for and support Black practitioners and students in occupational therapy. Affinity groups like NBOTC, directly address issues that impact Black practitioners and students in occupational therapy and provide them with skills/resources to combat barriers.
• During 1950s-1960s, there was a lot of racial tension and unrest (Robinson, 2000).
• Dr. Lela Llorens recounted a story of racial segregation at the AOTA conference (early 1950s) where she was not able to attend and participate with other white students and practitioners.
• The first gathering of Black occupational therapists and students was in Los Angeles in 1973.
• In the 1970s there was a push for integration and end African American centered groups.
• Amidst this, the founders of the Black Occupational Therapy Caucus (BOTC)and 100 other practitioners stood strong in the need for an African American organization to address their needs Black OT practitioners and students.
• Currently, there are the National BOTC has chapters in Maryland, New York, Florida, South Carolina, and now Connecticut.
Program Mission/Vision and Objectives Mission:
“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”
Vision:
“To create a village through scholarship, service, and community”
Objectives:
• To facilitate and support the recruitment, retention, and certification of Black occupational therapy students in Connecticut.
• Promote equal opportunities in employment and education for Black occupational therapy students.
• Identify, address issues and concerns that impact Black occupational therapy students and practitioners in Connecticut.
• Promote quality healthcare and occupational therapy to consumers of African American descent in Connecticut.
• Encourage, develop black leaders and role models for the profession of occupational therapy at all levels (local, state, national).
Graduation Date
2023
Document Type
Poster
Recommended Citation
Mosley, Alyssia OTS; Dawes, Monique OTD, OTR/L, CPAM; and Rentz, Ivy EdD, MSA, OTR/L, "Creating an Affinity Group: The Connecticut Black Occupational Therapy Caucus (CTBOTC)" (2023). Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones. 17.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/otd_capstone/17
