World OT Day

The World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) launched World Occupational Therapy Day in 2010. 

Formerly known as “WFOT Occupational Therapy Day”, October 27th will now be known as “World Occupational Therapy Day” – following agreement by WFOT Council in their meeting held in April 2010.

What is World Occupational Therapy Day?

The World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) is the international voice of the occupational therapy profession which globally is made up of 69 national occupational therapy professional organisations. WFOT World Occupational Therapy Day is the opportunity to heighten the visibility of the profession’s development work and to promote the activities of WFOT locally and nationally. It is designed specifically for groups of occupational therapists and students to organise events that attract publicity and raise funds

When is it? Annually on October 27th

The aim is that the WFOT World Occupational Therapy Day will be integrated with other national celebrations and promotions of the mission and goals of occupational therapy. Many countries hold occupational therapy week or month in October. If this does not fit with your country or time frame then individual events can be scheduled to suit any local time frames. This will help to increase the awareness of occupational therapists and society of the truly global impact of occupational therapy.

How will it be organised?

The WFOT would like to make its commemorative event one in which therapists and students actively promote the international side of their chosen profession. It is suggested that during your celebrations of occupational therapy week or month (or at another time that is better suited locally):

• One day be designated WFOT ‘World Occupational Therapy Day’. The WFOT will provide advice regarding sourcing information on our activities
• Students be encouraged to be key organisers of an event
• Students use their innovative powers in raising funds for WFOT through their use of occupations (could be challenges between universities)
• WFOT materials be highlighted to raise awareness of the international activities of the profession
• Individual membership in WFOT is promoted as another way to advance the profession’s mission.
• It is hoped that some local fundraising, featuring the virtues of occupation, would be done to further WFOT’s development work around the globe.

What happens to funds raised?

Any proceeds from the WFOT World Occupational Therapy Day should be sent to the Vice President Finance for deposit (email admin@wfot.org.au for further information). Funds raised through WFOT World Occupational Therapy Day will be used to promote and develop occupational therapy projects e.g. Occupational Therapy Outreach Network (OTION), Disaster Preparedness and Response Project, Congress Attendance Fund, Country Development Work. Please note fifteen percent of all donations support infrastructure needs.

World Occupational Therapy Day Resources

World Occupational Therapy Day information and resources can be accessed in the 'World Occupational Therapy Day'  category of the Resource Centre.

Show your support of fellow occupational therapists around the world - send a WFOT eCard

Report on World Occupational Therapy Day Celebrations

Occupational therapists from around the world celebrated World Occupational Therapy Day in many different ways.

World Occupational Therapy Day – Feedback

The WFOT welcomes your feedback on how you participated in World Occupational Therapy Day 2011. Please complete our short online survey to assist in our evaluation of the event https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WOTD2011