Occupational Therapy in Academic Services: Enhancing Student Success in Higher Ed.

Caribbean Perspectives on Occupational Therapy

In this episode of OT JEDI, Dr. Suzanne Rappaport interviews Blaine Robin for a powerful conversation on culture, identity, and the future of occupational therapy. Centered around his work on Caribbean Perspectives on Occupational Therapy in the United Kingdom, this discussion challenges dominant narratives in the profession and amplifies voices that have too often been overlooked. Dr. Robin shares how his lived experiences shape his approach to practice, education, and scholarship—and why it’s critical for occupational therapy to move beyond surface-level “cultural competence” toward deeper, more meaningful change. Together, we explore social determinants of health, representation in OT, and what it really means to decolonize practice. This episode is a must-listen for clinicians, educators, and students who are ready to push beyond the status quo and engage in more culturally grounded, socially responsive care. References Garcia, L., & Robin, B. (2025a). Caribbean perspectives of occupation. RCOT. OT News. Ocloo, J., Surendran, S., Robin, B., Noel, L., Gibson, J., & Dawson, S. (2025). Inequitably harmed: A scoping review protocol on patient safety and diverse population groups. BMJ Open, 15(12), e108797. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-108797 [https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-108797] Robin, B. (2010). Exploring illness and social care management: Comparing consumer perspectives of suffering and the challenges faced by service providers (Unpublished PhD thesis). https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/6368/ [https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/6368/] Robin, B. (2022). Developing inclusive cultures in occupational therapy. https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/blogs/school-of-health/2022/09/developing-inclusive-cultures-in-occupational-therapy/ [https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/blogs/school-of-health/2022/09/developing-inclusive-cultures-in-occupational-therapy/] Robin, B. (2023). Efforts to redress the imbalance of educational attainment: Case study Leeds. RCOT. OT News. Robin, B. (2023). Hearing from occupational therapists of Caribbean heritage – commemorating Windrush Day. https://www.rcot.co.uk/news/hearing-occupational-therapists-caribbean-heritage-commemorating-windrush-day [https://www.rcot.co.uk/news/hearing-occupational-therapists-caribbean-heritage-commemorating-windrush-day] Robin, B. (2023). The importance of cultural competence for occupational therapists. RCOT. OT News. Robin, B., & Cogavin, D. (2023). Becoming a councillor [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Vu86m0EFbA [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Vu86m0EFbA] Robin, B., & Ibrahiim, K. (2023). 75th anniversary of Windrush guest editorial. RCOT. OT News. Robin, B., & Richardson, O. (2023). The importance of cultural competence for occupational therapists. RCOT. OT News. Robin, B., & Tongai, C. (2023). Enacting occupational justice in dual roles as an occupational therapist and local politician: Advocacy at the margins [Video playlist]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=FLUJq-hb7DdJ0YLPHgPm322w [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=FLUJq-hb7DdJ0YLPHgPm322w] Robin, B. (2024a). The inner strength of excellence that unlocks our potential. RCOT. OT News. Robin, B. (2024b). Avoiding past histories from being forgotten. RCOT. OT News. Robin, B. (2025a). Dealing with racism in the groove of life. RCOT. OT News. Tinarwo, C., & Robin, B. (2025). Exploring occupational justice for Black university students in the United Kingdom: A scoping review. The Human Occupation & Wellbeing Journal, 1(2). https://howj.org/index.php/howj/article/view/44 [https://howj.org/index.php/howj/article/view/44]

Advancing Sexual & Gender Minority Education for Faculty, Clinicians, & Staff

How do educators move beyond one-time DEI trainings toward lasting change? In this episode, Audrey L. Zapletal and Karla A. Bell share lessons learned from a longitudinal professional development program focused on sexual and gender minority education. The discussion highlights data-driven outcomes, discomfort as part of learning, and sustainable faculty development. References McCoy, M. A., Levett-Jones, T., & Pitt, V. (2013). Development and psychometric testing of the Ascent to Competence Scale. Nurse education today, 33(1), 15–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2011.11.003 [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22154395/] Zapletal, A. L., Bell, K. A., Sanchez, A., Tobia, J., & Hunnicutt, M. (2024). LGBTQ+ inclusion: A pilot interdisciplinary professional development program for faculty, clinicians, and administrators in higher education. Innovative Higher Education, 49(3), 495–518. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-023-09683-4 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-023-09683-4]  Resources Jefferson Pride Care - Professional Development Program For SG-MET | Jefferson Health [https://www.jeffersonhealth.org/clinical-specialties/pride-care/resources/professional-development-program-sexual-and-gender-minority-education] The Gender Unicorn [https://transstudent.org/gender/]

Occupational Therapy in Academic Services: Enhancing Student Success in Higher Ed.

College students today are navigating record levels of anxiety, burnout, and executive function challenges — and traditional academic support services have an increase in demand. In this episode, we explore how occupational therapists can play a critical role in fostering student success, resilience, and belonging on campus. Tune in to learn why higher education needs OT now more than ever. Referenes Barbayannis, G., Bandari, M., Zheng, X., Baquerizo, H., Pecor, K. W., & Ming, X. (2022). Academic stress and mental well-being in college students: Correlations, affected groups, and COVID-19. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 886344. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.886344 [https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.886344] Córdova Olivera, P., Gasser Gordillo, P., Naranjo Mejía, H., La Fuente Taborga, I., Grajeda Chacón, A., & Sanjinés Unzueta, A. (2023). Academic stress as a predictor of mental health in university students. Cogent Education, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2232686 [https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2232686] Molin, F., Rohlfs, M., & Christian, J. (2022). A conceptual framework to understand learning through metacognition: Identifying relationships between factors that influence students’ self-regulated learning. Heliyon, 8(11), e12003. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12003 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12003] Wang, Y., Wang, X., Wang, X., Guo, X., Yuan, L., Gao, Y., & Pan, B. (2023). Stressors in university life and anxiety symptoms among international students: A sequential mediation model. BMC Psychiatry, 23, Article 556. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-05046-7 [https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-05046-7]

State-Level Occupational Therapy Advocacy

For the season four opener, OT JEDI looks at state-level advocacy in occupational therapy with special guest Beth Chiariello, President of the New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA) and Chair of the OT Department at Touro University. Beth shares her insights on how legislation and policy shape everyday OT practice, why staying informed at the state level is essential, and how NYSOTA supports practitioners and students through advocacy, education, and professional development. From recent legislative wins to common misconceptions about state laws, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration. We also explore the value of NYSOTA membership, the importance of being involved in shaping policy, and what the future holds for OT in New York. Plus, hear about NYSOTA’s annual conference and educational offerings that help keep the profession thriving. For more information on and to join the New York State Occupational Therapy Association, go to https://www.nysota.org/ [https://www.nysota.org/]

Let’s Talk about Sexual Health Literacy and Occupational Therapy

In this episode of OT JEDI, we explore a critical but often overlooked topic—sexual health literacy among older adults living with HIV. Joined by occupational therapists Riley David and Dr. Kathryn Burke, we dive into their pilot study evaluating occupation-based sexual health education programs. We discuss how knowledge, stigma, fear, and pleasure intersect in the lives of older adults, and how occupational therapy can play a key role in fostering safe, empowered, and fulfilling intimate experiences. Resources The Network for LGBTQIA+ Concerns in Occupational Therapy | Queer Health [https://www.theotnetwork.org/] The Capstone Collective [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_0pn2wgYTt95vREBl7jDzm-_PRKr-V2C6HtDABdnzLBoHzQ/viewform] Follow Dr. Burke on Instagram @otkate [https://www.instagram.com/otkate/?hl=en] or find her at Johnson & Wales University [https://www.jwu.edu/faculty/burke-kathryn.html] References  David, R. & Burke, K. (2025, April 5). Evaluating the effectiveness of occupation-based programming on the sexual health literacy of older adults living with HIV [Poster session]. American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Inspire, Philadelphia, PA. https://tinyurl.com/y96srmd4 [https://tinyurl.com/y96srmd4]