An Ally as well as a Partner in Practice

Abstract

Through her own personal story and experience the author describes herself as the ultimate client. She recounts some of the stages in her own rehabilitation process, and the ways in which the health professions helped or hindered her. Her involvement with the grass roots organizations for disabled people strengthened her convictions about the value of peers and role models for those with a disability. She urges occupational therapists, because of their unique body of knowledge and skills, to become partners, and even more importantly, allies with their clients. She encourages the profession to become truly inclusive and representative, and to take steps to bridge the power gap between the profession and its clients, with whom it seeks partnerships.