Occupational therapy in education in Latin America: an analysis from the Occupational Therapy in Education (TOE in Spanish) Community of Practice

Abstract

Introduction: The Community of Practice Occupational Therapy in Education (TOE in spanish) brings together occupational therapists from Latin America and the Caribbean related to the educational sector. Framed in this community, it is understood that there is progress in the incursion of occupational therapy in education, but that there is a lack of studies that analyze the reality of the region. Objective: Analyze the state of occupational therapy in education in Latin America and the Caribbean from the perspective of members of the Community of Practice TOE to understand its scope, challenges and opportunities. Methods: Members from Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama presented the state of occupational therapy in education in their countries; this information was analyzed under a qualitative approach, adopting the content analysis method. Results: In all participating countries the presence of the occupational therapist in special education is a constant. In some, their actions in regular inclusive education are beginning to be visible, but the existence of legislation that supports this varies. The need to incorporate new paradigms that guide the exercise of occupational therapy was evident since in most countries the rehabilitation approach persists. Conclusions: The practice of occupational therapy in Latin America and the Caribbean is observed as eclectic; professionals use various approaches based on the needs of their educational systems and legislative opportunities. Theoretical frameworks adjusted to the realities of each country are required, accompanied by academic training in education and the generation of policies for occupational therapists’ incorporation into the inclusive regular system.