Enabling Inclusive Occupational Therapy through the Capabilities, Opportunities, Resources, and Environments (CORE) Approach

Abstract

Occupation, or the things that people do in life that are meaningful, purposeful, and accord dignity, is a complex phenomenon. Globally, people participate in occupations every day in contexts that support and enable such participation, or constrain and militate against it. When one considers occupational participation as being fundamental to social inclusion, this is an important area for research and transformative practice. This is especially true in the profession of occupational therapy where social inclusion has been identified as an end goal of person- and community-centered action for some time. In this chapter, the authors introduce the concept of inclusive occupational therapy, and consider such a process in context with viewing practice through an inclusive lens, and doing occupational justice work which upholds and promotes the occupational and human rights of people seeking to equitably participate in occupations. The chapter then present narratives from applied research to demonstrate how lived experiences of entrenched disadvantage characterized by poverty, disability, and other social complexities, could be transformed through doing occupational justice work using the Capabilities, Opportunities, Resources, and Environments (CORE) approach, which is introduced and considered against the narratives. Linking theory and research to inclusive and strengths-based practice through the CORE approach can promote inclusive occupational therapy and enable the “ends” of social inclusion through culturally and contextually sensitive – as well as appropriate – means. Finally, the authors contend that the CORE approach can inform person- and community-centered practices aimed at tackling occupational injustices, and enhancing peoples’ capabilities to do, be, become, belong, aspire, and flourish.