WFOT 2018 - Impact of Occupational Therapy: Voices from the Field

WFOT 2018 PRINCIPAL STAKEHOLDER PERSPECTIVES PANEL
Impact of Occupational Therapy: Voices from the Field
Thursday 24 May 2018 at 9:00am - 10:30am
Xakathile Dabula
Partnering with occupational therapy researchers for disability inclusion - a rural perspective
Mr Xakathile Dabula was a co-researcher, teacher and guide to occupational therapists involved with disability research in a remote rural isiXhosa-speaking community in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa for 10 years.
He contributed cultural wisdom and skill in translating this world for the therapists concerned and taught them gently how to behave in it.
As a community representative, Mr Dabula will share lessons learnt by various stakeholders in partnering with occupational therapy researchers for disability inclusion.
Maxwell Mboxela
My journey of recovery: a mental health story
Mr Maxwell Mboxela is a mental health service user who has has been exposed to occupational therapy directly and through association with services.
Initially an in-patient in the the forensic unit at a psychiatric hospital, he was subsequently accommodated in a group home and currently resides in 'Step Down' facility while actively exploring alternative independent living options.
He has been involved in a supported employment programme. He successfully completing a learnership in Business Administration and now works at Friends of Valkenberg Trust where he assists the manager with all aspects of running several projects.
He will reflect on how participating in occupational therapy facilitated his recovery journey.
Thandie Ngushelo and Daisy Mapiela
Grandmothers Against Poverty and Aids (GAPA)
Ms Thandie Ngushelo and Ms Daisy Mapiela representing Grandmothers against Poverty and Aids (GAPA) will share the story of this self-help group of grandmothers living in Khayelitsha, a low-socio-economic area on the outskirts of Cape Town.
Established in 2001 by 10 grandmothers and an occupational therapist, GAPA's motto is 'together we are stronger'.
GAPA's two-pronged approach - education and psychosocial support - draws on the inherent strength of the grandmothers in the community to bring lasting change and hope.