A Need for Occupational Justice: The Impact of Racial Microaggression on Occupations, Wellness, and Health Promotion

“Ism,” in general terms describes a practice that denotes oppression of a group based on the characteristics of its members: racism, sexism, and ageism, are the three types most commonly identified. “Isms” often impose limits on people, and while we have been aware of those limits at the macro level, we have been less aware of acts that happen at the level of the individual, the micro level. These acts, which are frequently heard and seen in the media, have personal, occupational, and health implications for those affected by them. The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness about the issue of racial microaggression and, from occupational therapy and occupational science perspectives, explore how it impacts engagement in valued occupations, wellness, and health. This paper aims to encourage scientific discourse among practitioners, students, and educators so that we can truly be client-centered and culturally effective advocates for inclusion and participation in life

Facilitators and Barriers to Social Participation & Community Mobility Post-Spinal Cord Injury

Purpose: This study investigated the facilitators and barriers to accessing one’s community and the ability to engage in social participation following an acquired spinal cord injury. Method: Participants were recruited via Facebook support groups for people with spinal cord injuries. This study used a mixed methods design using a 34 item Likert scale questionnaire with an additional four open-ended response questions. Quantitative data was analyzed via SPSS v25 using descriptive statistics. Open-ended responses were categorized and coded into themes. Results: Of the 43 total participants, thirty-four individuals completed the survey in full, while nine participants provided partial responses, most frequently leaving the open-ended questions incomplete. Thirty three percent of participants rated their quality of life as either excellent or very good, while 7% stated it to be poor. Twenty-three participants identified driving themselves as the primary and preferred method of transportation. Seeing family and friends as well as participating in recreational activities was identified as most important. The three most significant facilitators participants identified were driving an adaptive vehicle, use of customized wheelchair, and the support of family and friends. Participants identified the three most significant barriers as lack of ADA standards being upheld in public places, lack of available handicapped parking, and relying on poor public transportation. Conclusion: The identified facilitators and barriers in this study were similar to prior research. Future research should include a more indepth evaluation of how each of the presented barriers can be more significantly addressed in order to reduce their impact on individuals’ post-spinal cord injury as they participate in the social participation tasks most meaningful to them