Tutorial Six: The internet and online communities

Occupational Therapist in a Paediatric setting

Like I mentioned in my previous post, my first placement was in s school setting with children diagnosed with developmental delays. 


Just below are linked my three online communities which I think relates to the setting as they cover different aspects of the occupational therapy practice in a school setting.

The first online community is the American Occupational Therapy Association which can be viewed by everyone. To post any comments or view comments from other members, the users need to possess a Facebook account. This website relates to its geographical location and is an organisational online community as the participants are therapists and students practising in America. This webpage enable the users to share stories and  new discoveries in the field of practice. It is an interactive site as the users are able to  post  comments and link information. I personally thought it was an appropriate online community as it cover the entire scope of practice of occupational therapy. By exchanging information, users can learn and relate to others' experiences. 

1. http://www.facebook.com/AmericanOccupationalTherapyAssociation

The second online community provides support to parents, family, friends and caregivers that have a child with a spectrum of disabilities. The users do need to register via their email address and although it is an American website, it provides great information and good online support for world-wide users. For the first and second online communities, the founders have to be aware of the comments posted on their website as it could be disruptive to others. 

2. http://www.inspire.com/groups/my-child-without-limits/

The third online community is less interactive as no comments can be added onto the website. The purpose of this web organisation is to provide information about autism in New Zealand. It not only provides information about the autism but helps the users to find support. It has many subheadings like the news on autism and the events coming up to facilitate access to specific information. You do not need to register to access the information on this website. This website relates to its geographical location as the main content is related to New Zealand.

3. http://www.autismnz.org.nz/

These online communities strongly relates to occupational justice as they provide a resource to enable occupational participation that satisfy the users (Christiansen & Townsend, 2010). They connect people from various place to share information. They also enable silent observation prior to participation without having any cost. These websites have the ability to share information very quickly. Like any internet content you need a computer to access it. A negative aspect of my first online community is that the full content is not accessible to all. 

Overall, these website provides support, easy access to information and a sense of belonging.

Christiansen, C. H., & Tonwsend, E. A. (2010). Introduction to occupation: the art and science of living (2^nd ed.). New Jersey, USA: Pearson Education Inc.