Specialist Sections are part of the College of Occupational Therapists and promote the common clinical interests of their members
Please be aware that as from 1st October 2008 all new applicants for Specialist Sections membership will have to be members of BAOT/COT.
This exclusion does not apply to existing non-BAOT/COT Specialist Sections members. However if they allow their membership to lapse this amendment will apply to any later application for Specialist Section membership.
Specialist Sections are groups of occupational therapists, occupational therapy students, support workers and other individuals in related fields who work to promote their area of common clinical interest. Specialist sections have met all the criteria for becoming a recognised group of the College of Occupational Therapists (COT Policy statement revised, April 2002). Specialist Sections are part of the College and work in partnership with the College.
Specialist Sections advance Occupational Therapy practice
The purpose of Specialist Sections is to encourage, promote, facilitate and support the advancement of Occupational Therapy practice by representing the diverse interests and specialities of occupational therapy. They provide advice, disseminate information through publications and newsletters, and facilitate education through clinical conferences, national and regional study days. They also contribute to the development of setting high standards and promoting good practice within their speciality.
The main aims of Specialist Sections
- Raise awareness of occupational therapy.
- Promote the development of knowledge and skills in specific areas of practice.
- Promote continuing professional development within the specialist areas.
- Promote research within the specialist areas.
- Disseminate information and provide support networks through a variety of media to their members.
- Assist, support, and encourage their members regarding practice issues within their speciality.
- Respond to emerging issues which relate to the practice of occupational therapy in the specialist sections area of interest.
- Function as a resource and collaborate in conjunction with the College of Occupational Therapists on emerging areas of practice, activity, and new government policies.
- Assist the College of Occupational Therapists in an advisory capacity, through the Chairperson or designated executive of the section, via the Specialist Sections Officer or appropriate College of Occupational Therapists designated officer.
- Provide representatives for the Specialist Section Clinical Forum and Specialist Section Business Forum.
The current Specialist Sections
- The College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section - Children, Young People & Families
- The College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section - HIV/AIDs, Oncology & Palliative Care
- The College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section - Housing
- The College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section - Independent Practice
- The College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section - Mental Health
- The College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section - Neurological Practice
- The College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section - Older People
- The College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section - People with Learning Disabilities
- The College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section - Rheumatology
- The College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section - Trauma & Orthopaedics
- The College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section - Work
