Access to Occupational Therapy Services: Innovations in Newfoundland Labrador Danielle Hogan, OT© President Newfoundland & Labrador Association of Occupational Therapists 2007/2008

Newfoundland & Labrador Occupational Therapists Full time 133 Part time 19 Non practicing 3

Access to Services Canadian average is 3255:1 Newfoundland & Labrador average is 3926:1 * It is recommended that the province requires 42.6 new positions to meet the national average! _____________________________________ Current Supply and Gaps in Service Issues for Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Language Pathology Professionals in Newfoundland and Labrador, 2003

Challenges in Newfoundland & Labrador Recruitment Retention Current Staffing Retirements Access to Services

Occupational therapy is a core member of the interdisciplinary team in a variety of health care settings.

What are some of the innovative initiatives that are changing the face of occupational therapy and increasing access to services in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Innovations in Newfoundland and Labrador Advocate for seat purchase agreement Establishment of a permanent replacement pool within the Association of Allied Health Professionals __________________________________________________________________________ Current Supply and Gaps in Service Issues for Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Language Pathology Professionals in Newfoundland and Labrador, 2003

Innovations in Newfoundland and Labrador Limited services within community based services, particularly in child health and mental health. _____________________________________ Current Supply and Gaps in Service Issues for Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Language Pathology Professionals in Newfoundland and Labrador, 2003

Innovations in Newfoundland and Labrador An occupational therapist was reassigned from a general outpatient position in the Mental Health Program to the Bridges and Early Psychosis Programs. Occupational therapists within the mental health program are in the process of developing a program for the forensics unit with a half time occupational therapy assistant position allocated to the unit.

Innovations in Newfoundland and Labrador There has been a shift from the sheltered workshop model of Mill Lane to a supported employment model termed the Individual Placement and Support model. There is a proposal for a full time OT in child and adolescent mental health

Innovations in Newfoundland and Labrador Two new positions called Inclusion Co- coordinators, one in Central and one on the West Coast. Advocacy for Occupational Therapists in the school system. Utilization of Dalhousie students.

Innovative Partnerships Allied Health Workforce Network Representation on the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation Universal Design Network Community Partnership Project Community Connections Recovery Education Liaison with Workers Compensation

Just like our Newfoundland and Labrador emblem, the picture plant, we have to be innovative to survive; its who we are!

Thank you for your time Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much Helen Keller

Acknowledgements Department of the Health and Community Services Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. (October 2005). Working Together for Mental Health: A Mental Health and Addictions Services Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador, St. Johns, NL. Noseworthy, Tanya. (August 2003). Current Supply and Gaps in Service Issues for Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Language Pathology Professionals in Newfoundland and Labrador, St. Johns, NL. The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Occupational Therapists. (August 2005). A Home, A Friend, A Job: Recommendations for Mental Health Occupational Therapy Services in Newfoundland and Labrador, St. Johns, NL. Proposal For Occupational Therapy Positions in Child/Adolescent Mental Health, April Walsh, Ashley & Williams, Dana. Vocational Rehabilitation Services: A Pathway for Change, St. Johns, NL.