http://samples.jbpub.com/9780763760656/60656_ch01_Doll.pdf

This excerpt describes the community practice in relation to occupational therapy and how engagement in occupation ties communities together. It recognizes health as a holistic view of well-being instead of only regarding disease. The practice moves away from the medical aspect and towards the intellectual, moral, and social attributes. In addition it states that "community practice opens the door for the profession to grow and apply occupation in its natural settings." The profession continues to develop its' reputation and become more proactive in addressing health needs that arise outside the medical/rehab approach.

http://telerehab.pitt.edu/ojs/index.php/Telerehab/article/view/6163/6580

In 2014 the World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT) published the WFOT Telehealth Position Statement on the use of tele health in occupation therapy.
The 84 member organizations collaborated to produce a position statement with comments regarding the need for clinical reasoning to determine client access and preference for appropriate selection of tele health service delivery. It describes how therapist should use clinical reasoning based on individual client situation and should not be used to avoid in-person services when indicated by client-specific needs, nor to avoid contact with clients on the basis of discrimination. The types of clinical reasoning utilized by occupational therapist to determine the best use of tele-health to achieve the same standards of care as services delivered in-person would include ethical, conditional, pragmatic, and interactive clinical reasoning.

http://otj.sagepub.com/content/35/1/34.full.pdf+html

Research study utilizing a scoping review approach to analyze and ascertain what available research has done on the topic of autism spectrum disorder treatments/interventions applied by occupational therapy- mainly to determine the direction for research and practice. The review examined approximately 115 articles from 1980 to 2013 and identified three reoccurring themes. Sensory processing/regulation is a niche that occupational therapists have made a name for themselves, especially due to the three occurring themes that lead to the professions increased recognition. It is inspiring to see the impact occupational therapy has made in this field, especially by addressing a prevalent society need.

Bagatell, N., & Mason, A. E. (2015). Looking Backward, Thinking Forward Occupational Therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorders. OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health, 35(1), 34-41.

American Journal of Occupational Therapy, March 1983, Vol. 37, 163-165. doi:10.5014/ajot.37.3.163

This article speaks to our current situation, fieldwork education. Fieldwork education is imperative to profession development. The experience builds perspective for students, educators, fieldwork educators, and other relevant professionals the preparedness and expected competency potential. The article otherwise describes in terms of a "proving ground of the profession." The article extensively recounts the impacts and explains why the experience serves as the proving ground. Personally, I agree with the article and think the practical clinical experience has made lasting impressions on my professional development. It stands out from the classroom experience, as its' focus is on the central character of occupational therapy delivery to the client/patient.

In the school setting, such as my current fieldwork placement, educational goals (as in IEP's) that involve technology are becoming more predominant. I have worked with students supporting technology goals, like for example developing key boarding skills utilizing bilateral hands, home row placement, and visual motor skills to type on a computer and to further navigate technology. It is commonly taught through practice within a visual model or typing program. These pertinent skills can be taught through typing programs,that enable learning and can be used to track progress. I have utilized several typing programs while working with students including Keyboarding Without Tears. I did not have access to the complete program, but the available lessons were very useful. I researched the program thoroughly on my own and have recommended it to the school for purchase.

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/07380577.2015.1013597

According to the article, there is ongoing speculation in regards to occupational therapy professionals acquiring a doctorate as an entry level therapist. It has been a topic of discussion that may prove to be true in ten years. The article states the following:
"In the United States there is a recommendation under consideration by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) that by 2025, all occupational therapy university programs will move to the clinical doctorate levelt should be noted, however, that the AOTA Board can only make recommendations and it is the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) who has regulatory authority to approve such a change." It is important to consider the future of the profession and to plan for the changes to the standards of practice. It is necessary for professional competency to stay informed and aligned with professionalism requirements.