Welcome to the College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section - Housing
Through the following pages we hope to provide you with useful information regarding Occupational Therapy in Housing.
The College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section - Housing was set up to promote and share skills and experiences of those occupational therapists who have a particular interest in housing. Members work with clients of all ages including children, and with a wide range of disabilities, including physical disabilities, learning disabilities and mental health problems. Members are employed in a variety of areas, including Social Services, Housing Departments, Housing Associations, Housing Improvement Agencies, Independent Practice, Disability Housing Services and Health Trusts and Local Authorities.
Our aims
- To be a resource of information and good practice;
- To promote and / or support education, courses and seminars in its subject field;
- To promote liaison with service users, professional bodies and providers of housing to achieve good functional design, both new build and adaptations of existing property;
- To campaign at local and national level for improved policies and better standards in housing;
- To encourage research and development in the housing field;
- To serve as a resource to the College of Occupational Therapists on housing and community matters.
For information on membership click here
If you require further information regarding the Housing website click here
Committee
The Specialist Section has a representative on the College of Occupational Therapists Council and has access to support from the Specialist Sections Officer and the Professional Affairs Officer. Closer links with COT are helping to promote the needs of occupational therapists working in the housing, social service and community fields. It has also enabled outside organisations making enquiries to be put in contact with workers in the appropriate housing field.
NEC ANNUAL REPORT 2006-07 (100KB)
Services to members
Email Network
Provides regular information and briefings on both national and regional housing related topics and issues.It provides an opportunity for members to ask questions and receive replies from OT colleagues throughout the UK, sharing experiences and examples of good practice.
Annual Handbook
All members receive a handbook giving the structure of the Specialist Section, a list of members and their specialities. It includes regional reports and articles of interest e.g. AGM reports.
Support & networking
A support network is provided through the national executive, regional representatives, groups and sub groups with local meetings and / or study days according to local preference. Our Regions page has information about your regional representative and up and coming meetings.
Study days & conferences
An annual national conference (2 day) on housing themes and research is held, and incorporates the AGM. Previous conferences have been held in London, Durham, Northern Ireland and Brighton. 2008's conference will be held in Aberdeen.
Literature & Research
The specialist section has funding opportunities for members who may wish to undertake some research on housing related topics, check out the research page.
There is the Research and Development Strategic Vision and Action Plan. This document represents the expert opinion and aspirations of the College of Occupational Therapists' Specialist Section in Housing
The Section have also published books on housing and disability issues, e.g. Housing Options for Disabled People by Ruth Bull and Occupational Therapy in Housing: Building on Firm Foundations
We are also in a position to offer downloadable materials relating to housing, check out our Research page for more information.
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