Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE) you can trust: Clear, Repeatable, Customized
OT Works!’ Functional Capacity Evaluations are conducted by qualified Occupational Therapists with extensive FCE experience. They have served a range of clients providing dependable, accurate, and reliable assessments.
Understanding the FCE
The purpose of an FCE is to determine an individual’s ability to perform specific job-related activities safely and effectively. Our occupational therapists conduct a thorough evaluation of physical strength, mobility, coordination, endurance for physical and cognitive activities and other relevant factors. During the assessment, individuals take part in standardized tests, exercises, and simulated work tasks that replicate the physical and/or cognitive demands of their job or the type of work they are seeking to perform. FCEs are typically longer duration assessments, up to 6-8 hours and in some instances testing occurs over several consecutive days. This enables the occupational therapist to evaluate the client’s ability to sustain work tasks and work productivity over time.
FCEs also include testing that evaluates the client’s level of effort provided during the assessment. This enables the occupational therapist to determine if the assessment findings are an accurate representation of the client’s abilities and limitations.
FCEs also include testing for the client’s reliability with respect to pain and disability reports. This enables the occupational therapist to determine whether the client’s subjective reports regarding their symptoms and disability are consistent with what is observed. Effort and reliability testing enable the occupational therapist to more accurately determine how the client would perform in a real work setting.
What sets OT Works!’ FCEs apart
FCE’s can be completed by a number of different healthcare providers. Here is what separates ones done by OT Works! from the rest:
- Conducted by Occupational Therapists: all of our assessors are registered and in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of BC. Our OTs also provide occupational therapy treatment, and have specific rehab experience working on function with similar clients
- Experienced with FCEs – all of our assessors have a minimum 5 years of experience conducting FCEs
- Holistic approach – Occupational therapists evaluate clients holistically, taking into consideration their physical, cognitive and emotional abilities, as well as their environments
- Customized solutions – our FCE’s are focused on the specific request. While our reports are objective reliable, and use standardized assessments, they address the main question that the customer needs answered. We listen to our customers and clients and focus our attention on their specific situation–its not a “one size fits all” solution
- Central location– our modern Class A assessment facility in New Westminster is centrally located in the Lower Mainland and is easily accessible by transit.
Different Types of FCEs and OT assessments
There are different types of assessments and FCE’s that OT Works! can provide, depending on the specific client’s needs.
Medical-Legal FCE:
A medical-legal FCE is specifically conducted within a legal context, such as workers’ compensation disputes or personal injury cases. Its purpose is to provide an objective evaluation of an individual’s functional abilities and limitations that can be used as evidence in legal proceedings. A medical-legal FCE is characterized by impartiality, documentation of functional limitations, and the use of experts with specialized training and experience in performing evaluations for legal purposes.
Rehab FCE
A rehab FCE, also known as a vocational or occupational FCE, focuses on assessing an individual’s functional abilities and limitations in relation to returning to work or participating in vocational rehabilitation. It is commonly used in occupational rehabilitation, workers’ compensation cases, and disability management. The goals of a rehab-FCE include determining the individual’s current capabilities and limitations, assessing readiness for work or vocational rehabilitation, identifying suitable job tasks and accommodations, and developing customized rehabilitation plans based on the assessment findings.
Cognitive FCE
A Cognitive FCE typically involves a series of standardized tests and tasks that assess various cognitive domains, such as memory, attention, problem-solving, decision-making, and information processing. The evaluation may also include activities that simulate work-related tasks to assess an individual’s ability to handle specific job requirements.
OT Assessments
An OT assessment considers physical, cognitive, sensory, and psychosocial barriers to function, while assessing current capacity for self-care, work, leisure, and other activities important for daily life.
It includes objective, standardized assessments and observations of function, and typically focuses on developing return to work and/or rehabilitation recommendations.
An OT functional assessment is typically shorter than an FCE(i.e. 2-3 hours vs. 8 hours for an FCE) and is less costly. Because of its shorter duration, an OT assessment cannot define overall tolerances or activity endurance related to return to full-time work.
Also OT functional assessments usually take place in community settings, workplaces or in the client’s home, while the FCEs take place in a standardized clinic setting.
Finally, OT assessments do not typically comment on the reliability of the client’s reports, and validity of the results, which are typically required in legal proceedings.
Our FCE Team
At OT Works!, our team of certified-FCE providers has extensive experience in conducting FCE assessments. They have helped many clients in their return to work and rehabilitation journeys.
- Certified as a Work Capacity Evaluator through Roy Matheson and Associates in 2013 and recertified in 2016 and 2020. Completed the Employment Potential Improvement Corporation (EPIC) Lifting course to become a Certified EPIC Lifting Capacity Evaluator. Also completed Cognitive Functional Capacity Evaluation course through Roy Matheson and Associates in 2019.
- For the past 10 years, Haley has completed hundreds of medical legal assessments across the Lower Mainland including Functional/Work Capacity Evaluations, Cognitive Functional Capacity Evaluations and Cost of Future Care Assessments.
- She has testified as an expert witness in the Supreme Court of British Columbia on numerous occasions.
Steven Lin
- Certified to complete Functional Capacity Evaluations. Trained in Isernhagen Work Systems (now known as WorkWell Systems) to complete basic and comprehensive functional capacity evaluations. Completed EPIC lift training but not certified.
- 16 years of experience and hundreds of rehab functional capacity evaluations. 1 year of experience in medical-legal functional evaluations. Completed training in cognitive functional capacity evaluations.
- Steven has not testified in court so cannot be counted as an expert witness.
Aman Rangi (rehab FCEs only)
- Aman is a certified Work Capacity Evaluator through Roy Matheson and Associates at both basic and advanced level. He is also one of the internationally recognized instructors for Roy Matheson and Associates, teaching the Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) course. He is also a Certified EPIC Lifting Capacity Evaluator and has completed training in Cognitive Functional Capacity Evaluation. When not completing medical-legal assessments, Aman also teaches at the University of British Columbia (UBC) as a clinical faculty member in the Master of Occupational Science and Therapy program.
- For the past 5 years, Aman has completed medical legal assessments across the Lower Mainland including Functional/Work Capacity Evaluations, Cognitive Functional Capacity Evaluations and Cost of Future Care Assessments. He has also carried a rehabilitation caseload.
- He has testified as an expert witness in the Supreme Court of British Columbia on multiple occasions
Maren Kristensen
- Certified as a Work Capacity Evaluator by WorkWell Functional Capacity Evaluation training in 2017. Completed the Cognitive Functional Capacity Evaluation course through Roy Matheson Education and Training in 2017.
- Maren has been completing FCE’s since 2017, with an emphasis in return to work settings.
- Maren has not testified in court.
OT Works!’ FCE clinic
With a central location in Uptown New Westminster, our clinic is accessible by transit. Located inside Metro Vancouver’s first LEED Gold office building, offering a bright environment and high ceilings, our clinic is fully equipped with functional testing equipment.
With the skills and experience of our team, and access to FCE equipment and procedures, OT Works! can also provide other standardized functional assessments.
Contact us to find out more
Whether you require an FCE for occupational rehabilitation, disability assessment, or workers’ compensation case, you can trust our knowledgeable and skilled therapists at OT Works! to provide you with accurate and meaningful evaluations.
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext. 1000.
Introducing Karen, Parisa, and Simone: Occupational Therapists
We are thrilled to present the latest additions to our dynamic team: Karen Gill, Parisa Madani, and Simone Mann – occupational therapists at OT Works!
Since joining us between May and July of 2023, they have been delivering exceptional community-based occupational therapy services. Through their dedicated efforts to incorporate daily routines at home, work, and within the community, they are committed to enhancing independence and guiding clients towards their rehabilitation goals.
Karen earned her Master of Occupational Therapy at McMaster University. She is an advocate for a client-centered approach, aiming to empower individuals to engage in meaningful activities encompassing personal care, employment, and leisure pursuits. Karen has successfully assisted clients navigating challenges related to concussion, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, and mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. Her knowledge extends to musculoskeletal and orthopedic injuries, as well as mixed diagnoses. Karen extends her support to a diverse clientele, including those with WSBC and ICBC claims, private-paying clients, and individuals with extended health and disability insurance coverage. Fluent in Punjabi and Hindi, Karen serves the Surrey/Langley area.
Parisa, a graduate of the University of British Columbia’s Master of Occupational Therapy program, enriches our team with her valuable background as a Kinesiologist. Her prior experience underscores the significance of active physical therapy for sustainable outcomes. Parisa specializes in aiding clients grappling with musculoskeletal and orthopedic injuries, chronic pain, and mental health challenges on their journey back to the workforce. She extends her guidance to individuals within WSBC, ICBC, private-pay sectors, and those covered by extended health and disability insurance plans. Fluent in Spanish, Parisa serves communities in Surrey, Langley, Burnaby, and New Westminster.
Simone is a dedicated occupational therapist who achieved her Master of Occupational Therapy at Bond University in Australia. She stands out for her compassionate and respectful demeanor, which she combines with innovative, evidence-based interventions tailored to each client’s distinct values and needs. Simone excels in supporting clients dealing with physical injuries, chronic pain management, exposure therapy, and brain injury rehabilitation. With a clientele encompassing WSBC and ICBC claims, private-paying individuals, and those under extended health and disability insurance, Simone brings her expertise to the fore. Fluent in Punjabi and Hindi, she serves clients in Delta, Surrey, Langley, Richmond, New Westminster, and Burnaby.
All our therapists, including Karen, Parisa and Simone, are registrants and in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC).
Get started with an OT
If you or someone you know can benefit from the guidance of a skilled occupational therapist, we invite you to contact us today!
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext. 1000.
Meet Micaylee, Yasmine, and Brenden: Occupational Therapists
We’re excited to introduce the newest members of our team, Micaylee Pucilowski, Yasmine Mackie, and Brenden James, occupational therapists at OT Works!
They joined our team in February-March 2023, and have since been providing exceptional community OT services to individuals. By implementing daily activities at home, work, and in the community, they work to foster increased independence and help clients achieve their goals.
Micaylee completed her Master of Occupational Therapy at Western University and has a passion for making a meaningful difference in her clients’ lives. She has experience working with musculoskeletal/orthopaedic injuries, chronic pain, mental health (anxiety/depression), and concussion/traumatic brain injury. Micaylee works with a range of clients, including those with WSBC, ICBC, private-paying clients, and those with extended health/disability insurance. She serves clients in the Metro Vancouver region.
Yasmine completed her Master of Science in Neuroscience and her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta. She is passionate about supporting clients in their recovery through collaboration and engagement in meaningful activities. She has experience working with individuals with musculoskeletal/orthopaedic injuries, chronic pain, mental health concerns (including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, and PTSD), concussion/traumatic brain injury, and mixed diagnoses. Yasmine works with WSBC, ICBC, private paying clients, and those with extended health/disability insurance. She serves clients in the Tri-Cities, Surrey, Burnaby, and New Westminster.
Brenden completed his Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of British Columbia and his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from McGill University. He has honed his skills in mental health, chronic pain, and mixed diagnoses throughout his academic and professional career. Brenden works with a range of clients, including those with WSBC, ICBC, private-paying clients, and those with extended health/disability insurance. He serves clients in the Metro Vancouver region.
All our therapists, including Micaylee, Yasmine, and Brenden, are full registrants and in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC).
Get started with an OT
If you or someone you know could benefit from working with an occupational therapist, contact us today!
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext. 1000.
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day
National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated annually in Canada on the summer solstice, June 21st, to honor and recognize the culture, heritage, and contributions of Indigenous peoples.
Celebrate the day respectfully
- Attend an Indigenous event or gathering
Many Indigenous communities across Canada organize events and gatherings on June 21. Attend one of these events to experience the vibrant culture of Indigenous peoples.
- Learn about Indigenous History
Take some time to educate yourself about the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Visit a local museum, read books written by Indigenous authors, or watch documentaries about Indigenous history.
- Support Indigenous Businesses
Support Indigenous businesses by shopping at Indigenous-owned stores or purchasing Indigenous-made products.
- Volunteer
Volunteer your time to support Indigenous organizations or communities. This could involve helping with community events, fundraising, or offering your skills in a specific area.
- Take part in Social Media Campaigns
Join social media campaigns that celebrate Indigenous culture and history and raise awareness of the challenges that Indigenous peoples face today.
Remember that celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day is just one small part of a larger effort to recognize and support Indigenous peoples in Canada. It is important to continue learning about Indigenous history and culture and to work towards reconciliation and decolonization.
What we are doing at OT Works!
At OT Works! we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day by learning their history and understanding how we move forward to support Indigenous communities.
We have adopted the Indigenous Cultural Safety, Humility, and Anti-Racism standard of practice, as recommended by the College of Occupational Therapists of BC (COTBC).
Our team is also collectively studying and learning more about the negative impact of colonization and racism in health care. Specifically, every team member has read the In Plain Sight report and has watched webinars from the Indigenous Cultural Safety Collaborative Learning Series. OT Works! has facilitated a group discussion about our learnings and how our team can further support Indigenous Peoples in the care we provide.
Learn more about National Indigenous Peoples Day and Indigenous communities:
- National Indigenous Peoples Day, by the Government of Canada
- First Peoples’ Map of BC
- Indigenous Cinema by NFB
Mental Health Week – #MyStory
Storytelling is a fundamental part of life. It’s how we share information, culture, language, and ways of life. Stories connect us with our friends, families and ancestors. Sharing personal experiences and stories is not only valuable for promoting understanding — it can help us see the world from different perspectives. Our stories shape us and the way we interact with each other and the world.
Stories are an integral part of mental health. It’s through stories that we build connections, make sense of our realities, find support, and reduce stigma. Stories of humanity, healing, and new possibilities. It’s also through listening to our clients and their stories that Occupational Therapists help clients get back to the activities they love. OT Works! supports CMHA Mental Health Week (May 1-7, 2023) and this year’s theme: #MyStory.
Understanding Mental Health
Mental health is the state of our psychological and emotional well-being. It encompasses our emotions, feelings of connection, thoughts, and the ability to manage life’s highs and lows. Throughout our lives, we will all experience periods of positive and negative mental health.
Everyone has mental health
Mental health and mental illness are often used interchangeably, but it’s important to note that they are not the same. Mental health is always there and may be positive or negative. Mental illness, however, affects a person’s ability to function over a long period. Someone without a mental illness could experience poor mental health, just as a person living with a mental illness could experience excellent mental health.
The presence or absence of a mental illness is not a predictor of good mental health
Mental health is part of every one of us and in all areas of our lives. We bring it with us to our workplaces, schools, our hobbies, recreational activities, and our places of worship – everywhere we go in our communities our mental health is with us.
Everyone deserves to have the right supports and resources available to foster good mental health
Mental illnesses are caused by a complex interplay of genetic, biological, personality, and environmental factors. They are characterized by alterations in thinking, mood, or behaviour associated with significant distress and impaired functioning.
One-third of people in Canada will experience a mental illness or substance use disorder in their lifetime.
With the right support, people with mental illnesses can thrive. Just as we take care of our physical health, there are many ways we can help take care of our mental health.
Look after your mental health
Everyone can take steps to take care of their mental health.
Building and nurturing support networks
Feeling connected to others and to our community not only provides us with a sense of belonging but ensures we have people to lean on when we need to. Friends, family members, co-workers, neighbours, and romantic partners can all be great connections.
Identifying and feeling our emotions
Having good mental health doesn’t mean feeling happy all the time. It means being able to identify and experience the wide range of emotions that all humans go through and managing them in a way that is respectful to you and others around you.
Being active
Move your body in a way that feels good for you. This can include walking, dancing, running, swimming, stretching, and playing with your kids or animals. Moving your body 20 minutes per day decreases tension levels and improves anxiety, depression, dementia, cognition, and quality of life.
Trying a new hobby or sport
Inviting fun and creativity into our routines can help minimize stress and reduce anxiety and depression. Make time for the things that bring you meaning and joy! Whether it’s knitting, reading, bike riding, or baking, there are endless possibilities and activities to get involved in.
Practicing mindfulness
Mindfulness is purposely bringing one’s attention to the present moment. When our minds are cluttered, it can be difficult to notice our feelings. Practicing mindfulness and breathing exercises can help calm your mind, become more aware, and create better connections with yourself and others.
Being kind to ourselves
While we can’t stop our minds from thinking, we can change how we talk to ourselves. Take a moment and listen to your inner voice. What’s it telling you? Sometimes we don’t realize the amount of negative self-talk we engage in until we stop and listen. We could all benefit from growing our compassionate voice which might sound like how we speak to our loved ones.
Looking for help
Safely sharing your stories and struggles with a professional can also be helpful. A mental health professional can support you on your journey to becoming healthier!
Occupational Therapy, Mental Health, and Stories
Occupational Therapists (OTs) can listen to your stories in a professional, safe, non-judgmental, and respectful way.
Our OTs provide trauma-informed care and can help you get back to the activities that are meaningful to you.
Supporting clients and their mental health is exactly what OTs do!
OTs can help you find and build the right supports, identify your emotions, get active, try new fun and creative activities, practice mindfulness, and reframe the way you think and speak to yourself. Ultimately, OTs can help you get back to the life you love!
Contact Us
At OT Works!, our occupational therapists recognize the importance of listening and understanding. Our therapists are experienced in providing support for mental health issues. Our therapists at OT Works! are certified with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC) and have training in areas such as mental health, brain injury rehabilitation, home safety, and chronic pain.
If you or someone you know needs mental health support, contact us today.
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext. 1000.
Learn More
- CMHA Mental Health Week
- Sharing your Story Safely by the Mental Health Commission of Canada
- Wellness Together: mental health support for people in Canada and Canadians abroad. Always free and virtual, 24/7.
- Bounce Back: A free, evidence-based program designed to help adults and youth experiencing symptoms of mild to moderate depression, low mood, or stress, with or without anxiety.
OT Works! would like to thank CMHA for supplying parts of the content for this post.
March is Brain Health Awareness Month
Brain Health Awareness Month is a month to remind people to take care of their brains.
Occupational Therapists provide holistic client-centred therapy that considers the person’s physical, cognitive and emotional strengths and challenges, empowering them to live a healthy lifestyle.
We cannot talk about a healthy lifestyle without talking about our brains.
The brain is an integral part of our health, as the brain controls everything in our bodies, from physical ability to cognition to emotions. We rely on our brains for learning, moving, working, making decision, and even doing simple activities, such as watching TV!
In fact, brain injury is the number one killer and disabler of children and adults under the age of 45. In British Columbia alone, “…between 21 and 38 individuals sustain brain injury each day…” -Health Canada, 2007.
It’s important to prevent brain injuries and to do things to maintain a healthy brain for a good quality of life.
Keeping a healthy brain
Taking care of your brain can be simple and involves having healthy habits. Here are some ideas to keep a healthy brain:
- Eat nutritious food: avoid highly processed foods, and give preference to vegetables, fruits, whole grain foods, organic and protein foods. Canada’s Food Guide is a useful source of information for healthy eating.
- Exercise regularly: physical activity improves blood flow and can help you think, learn, problem-solve, and enjoy an emotional balance. Studies suggest that a simple exercise, like walking, can help increase creativity.
- Sleep well: sleeping 7-8 hours a day helps our brain reorganize and recover.
- Learn new things: when we learn new things, the brain creates new pathways, keeping it active and healthy!
- Be creative: creative activities such as reading, writing, making puzzles, playing a musical instrument, singing, and creating art and crafts are fun ways to keep the brain active.
- Reduce stress: stress can prematurely age the brain. Take steps to reduce stress in your life such as using relaxation techniques, deep breathing, positive thinking, meditation/praying, visualization, and enjoying nature.
- Stay socially connected: staying connected socially helps you stay connected mentally. Research shows that regularly interacting with others may help reduce your risk of developing dementia.
- Wear helmets: when playing sports that involve moving quickly or using a ball or a puck. Falls are the leading cause of brain injury, followed by striking or being struck by an object.
- Wear PPE at work: a hard hat and other protective equipment can prevent a brain injury at physically active jobs.
Our therapists have experience with brain injury
Our therapists have experience helping clients with brain injury to live their best lives. We continuously help WSBC, ICBC, third-party insurer, and private-pay clients with brain injury.
If you or someone you know had a concussion or a traumatic brain injury, contact us today.
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext. 1000.
Read more about brain health:
- Brain-healthy tips to reduce your risk of dementia by the Alzheimer Society.
- Healthy Brain by Brainstreams
- What can you do to keep your brain healthy, an animated video by Trinity Brain Health.
(Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA: https://www.pexels.com/photo/paperclip-in-a-shape-of-a-light-bulb-and-a-rubber-eraser-in-a-shape-of-a-brain-6193936/)
Meet Amna Khan: Occupational Therapist
Welcome Amna Khan to the OT Works! team.
Amna completed her Masters of Occupational Therapy (MOT) at University of British Columbia. Her training included experiences in both public health and private practice. Prior to becoming an OT, Amna worked at UBC where she supported several clinical research studies in the areas of oncology, mental health, and rehabilitation. She worked as a behavioural interventionist to support children with ASD and worked as a volunteer to assist rehabilitation of residents in long-term care. Amna is passionate about providing evidence-based and client-centred care to help her clients achieve their functional goals and full potential. Her current areas of focus include: musculoskeletal/orthopaedic injuries, chronic pain, mental health (anxiety, depression), and concussion / traumatic brain injury.
Amna serves clients in the Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley areas, including Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey, Delta, White Rock, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Langley, Fort Langley, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Abbotsford and Mission.
She works with WorkSafeBC, ICBC, and private paying clients, as well as those with extended health/disability insurance.
Amna has also taken additional courses and certifications in suicide intervention, serious illness, chronic pain and cognitive rehabilitation.
Like all our therapists at OT Works!, Amna is registered and in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC).
Get Started with an OT
If you or someone you know could benefit from working with an occupational therapist, contact us today!
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext. 1000.
Indigenous Cultural Safety, Humility, and Anti-Racism
OT Works! has adopted the Indigenous Cultural Safety, Humility, and Anti-Racism standard of practice, as recommended by the College of Occupational Therapists of BC (COTBC).
The standard sets clear expectations for how therapists are to provide culturally safe and anti-racist care for Indigenous clients.
The practice standard was created as a response to the evidence and recommendations in In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in BC Health Care, a report by Dr. Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond. The November 2020 report provided evidence of Indigenous-specific racism, resulting in decreased access to health care and poor health outcomes, such as lower life expectancy, higher mortality, and increased presence of chronic health conditions.
In Plain Sight was guided by Sulksun (Shane Pointe), a proud member of the Coast Salish Nation, Musqueam Indian Band, and Knowledge Keeper to all, and Joe Gallagher (k’wunəmɛn), Tla’amin Nation, Principal at Qoqoq Consulting Ltd.
It comprises of six core concepts, within which there are principles to which therapists are held accountable.
The six core concepts are:
1.Self-reflective practice (It starts with me)
Cultural humility begins with self-examination of values, assumptions, beliefs, and privileges, how they are embedded in knowledge and practice, and consider how it impacts relationships with Indigenous Peoples.
Cultural humility promotes relationships based on respect, open and effective dialogue, and mutual decision-making.
Principles:
Health professionals:
- Reflect on, identify, and do not act on stereotypes or assumptions.
- Reflect on how their privileges, biases, values, beliefs, behaviours, and positions of power impact the therapeutic relationship.
- Evaluate and seek feedback on their behaviour towards Indigenous Peoples.
2.Building knowledge through education
Health professionals continually seek to improve their ability to provide culturally safe care for Indigenous clients.
Principles:
Health professionals learn about:
- Determinants of health, cultural safety, cultural sensitivity, and anti-racism.
- Negative impact of Indigenous-specific racism on Indigenous clients accessing the health care system, and its disproportionate impact on women, girls, and two-spirit, queer, and trans-Indigenous peoples.
- Historical and current impacts of colonialism and impacts on health care experiences.
- The Indigenous communities located in the areas where they work (languages, histories, heritage, cultural practices, and systems of knowledge).
3.Anti-racist practice (taking action)
Health professionals take active steps to identify, address, prevent and eliminate Indigenous-specific racism.
Principles:
Health professionals:
- Help colleagues identify and eliminate racist attitudes, language, or behaviours.
- Support clients, colleagues, and others who experience racism.
- Report acts of racism to leadership or the regulatory college.
4.Creating safe health care experiences
Health professionals facilitate safe health care experiences where Indigenous clients’ physical, mental/emotional, spiritual, and cultural needs can be met.
Principles:
Health professionals:
- Treat clients with respect and empathy:
- Acknowledge clients’ cultural identity.
- Listen to and seek to understand their lived experiences.
- Treat clients and their families with compassion.
- Be open to learning from the client and others.
- Care for a client holistically.
- Acknowledge and incorporate in the plan of care cultural rights, values, and practices.
- Facilitate the involvement of the client’s family and others (community and Elders, Indigenous cultural navigators, and interpreters) as needed and requested.
5.Person-led care
Health professionals work collaboratively with Indigenous clients to meet the client’s health and wellness goals.
Principles:
Health professionals:
- Respectfully learn why the client has sought health care.
- Engage with the clients and their identified supports to identify, understand and address their health and wellness goals.
- Actively support the client’s right to decide on their course of care.
- Communicate effectively by:
- Providing space and time to share their needs and goals.
- Providing clear information about their health care options available.
- Ensuring information is communicated in a way that the client can understand.
6.Strengths-based and trauma-informed practice (looking below the surface):
Health professionals are knowledgeable about different types of trauma, and their impact on Indigenous clients (including intergenerational and historical trauma which impact many Indigenous People during health care experiences. They focus on the resilience and strength the client brings to the health care encounter.
Principles:
Health professionals:
- Work with the client to incorporate personal strengths to meet goals.
- Recognize the potential for trauma (personal or intergenerational) and adapt the approach to be mindful of this, including seeking permission before engaging in assessment and treatment.
- Recognize that colonialism and trauma may affect how clients view, access, and interact with the health care system.
- Recognize that Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit, queer, and trans-Indigenous Peoples are disproportionately impacted by Indigenous-specific racism and consider the potential impact of gender-specific trauma on the client.
What is OT Works! already doing to address the practice standard?
OT Works! is committed to providing culturally safe and anti-racist care for Indigenous clients:
- We are continuously reflective of our practice through our processes, including mentorship, Quality Assurance, and annual feedback.
- We focus on holistic care and client strengths at all times.
- We consistently provide client-centred care.
- We are good listeners.
- We continuously deepen our understand of, and provide, trauma-informed care.
- We acknowledge the Indigenous lands we work on.
- We research and share information with the team about the Indigenous people on whose lands we work.
Next steps
OT Works! Is taking further, specific and active steps towards an inclusive, respectful and safe space for our Indigenous clients.
Here’s what we will do moving forward:
- Identify unrecognized bias in tools and practices at OT Works! and in the systems we work.
- Reflect on our privilege, position of power, and how it impacts our Indigenous clients.
- Seek specific education on Indigenous cultural practices and impacts of colonialism and intergenerational trauma.
- Ensure the space, time and necessary guidance for specific reflections about our Indigenous learning and care.
OT Works! will continue to build on our strengths as a team of caring, respectful, knowledgeable Occupational Therapists and continue to improve care in BC for Indigenous people.
Contact us
If you or someone you know is looking for support of an Occupational Therapist, contact us today.
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext. 1000.
Picture in this post – Title: Land Acknowledgment – Artist: Sage Paul, W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip Nation)
OT Works! Holiday Hours
OT Works! will be closed during the holidays.
We will be back to our regular hours on January 03, 2023, when we will be accepting new clients in Vancouver, Metro Vancouver, Sea-to-Sky, Sunshine Coast, Victoria, and the Comox Valley.
| Monday, December 19, 2022 | Open, 9 am-5 pm |
| Tuesday, December 20, 2022 | Open, 9 am-5 pm |
| Wednesday, December 21, 2022 | Open, 9 am-5 pm |
| Thursday, December 22, 2022 | Open, 9 am-5 pm |
| Friday, December 23, 2022 | Open, 9 am-5 pm |
| Monday, December 26, 2022 | Closed |
| Tuesday, December 27, 2022 | Closed |
| Wednesday, December 28, 2022 | Closed |
| Thursday, December 29, 2022 | Closed |
| Friday, December 30, 2022 | Closed |
| Monday, January 02, 2023 | Closed |
| Tuesday, January 03, 2023 | Open, 9 am-5 pm |
Regular business hours resume on January 03.
We wish you a very Happy Holidays and a Joyous New Year!
Get started with an OT
Our therapists at OT Works! are registered and in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC). Our approach is based on current research and evidence-based practice.
If you or someone you know could benefit from occupational therapy, contact us today!
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Vancouver: 604.696.1066
Victoria: 250.999.8896
Giving Back to the Community
OT Works! is pleased to continue to support two local initiatives that provide change and promote social justice: Project Change and Run for Water.
Change and staying active are central to the philosophy of occupational therapy. Our therapists facilitate change and meaningful activities to promote health and recovery.
Project Change Foundation provides financial and other support to early-stage charities in Canada with significant potential for creating social or environmental change.
In 2022, Project Change provided grants and support to Courage in Action, an organization that supports women with difficult circumstances by providing free resources to assist them in moving forward in their lives. Through educational sessions and conferences delivered by accomplished women, the charity aims to uplift and inspire their members to create new or different outcomes.
This year, OT Works! also participated for the fifth time in Run for Water. We joined 1500 other runners at Mill Lake in Abbotsford to make a difference in the community of Sizi, Ethiopia.
In 15 years of the event, Run for Water has raised over $4,000,000 to help build clean water projects in some of the most remote and marginalized areas of Ethiopia.
OT Works! also continues to support other organizations as they empower people in Canada and around the world, such as WWF and Plan Canada.