Knowledge of the LGBTQIA+ Community by Occupational Therapy Practitioners and Students

The field of occupational therapy allows for unique client-therapist relationships through its holistic, client-centered approach to therapy. Sexual orientation and gender identity are frequently overlooked client personal factors. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community have their own health risks and health disparities that are frequently not taught in a typical classroom setting. The research focus area was chosen to attempt to fill the gap in the literature of occupational therapists and occupational therapy students’ knowledge of LGBTQIA+ culture through semi-structured interviews. The education focus area was chosen to get a better understanding of the dissemination of information to occupational therapy students. This research may most directly impact the quality of care received by LGBTQIA+ clients of occupational therapists by creating a safer, more inclusive environment for these clients. For these clients to be impacted, occupational therapists and occupational therapy students must take the initiative to educate themselves on LGBTQIA+ issues. This project may also impact Nova Southeastern University via the increase in discussion of diversity to further educate their students to help better prepare them to work with LGBTQIA+ individuals in the future