Microcredentials: Gender & Sexuality in Occupational Therapy

MICROCREDENTIAL PROGRAMMING

Presented by Bri Guillory, Brandon Olsen, Grayson Owens, and Colton Sayers

1 contact hour

Description:

This elective focuses on inclusive and gender-affirming occupational therapy practice for 2SLGBTQIA+ clients. Participants will examine systemic barriers, bias, and assessment practices that impact care delivery and client participation. The course emphasizes the use of inclusive language and affirming approaches, and supports the development of actionable strategies for advocacy and ongoing professional growth to promote equity, access, and meaningful participation.

Objectives:

• Analyze how systematic barriers, personal biases, and past practices may affect the therapeutic process and outcomes for 2SLGBTQIA+ clients.
• Evaluate assessment tools, interventions, and personal assumptions to ensure inclusive, gender-affirming, and culturally responsive occupational therapy practice.
• Integrate inclusive language, gender-affirming practices, and advocacy approaches to optimize client participation and therapeutic relationships.
• Create an actionable plan integrating inclusive practices, advocacy strategies, and professional growth steps to reduce barriers and promote equity for 2SLGBTQIA+ clients.

Presenter Bios:

Brandon Olson’s path to occupational therapy began with a deeply personal moment: watching his niece work with her own occupational therapist. Already considering a career change, Brandon found himself inspired by their connection and quickly fell in love with the field. The profession aligned perfectly with his creative problem-solving, his drive to care for others, and his naturally empathetic approach. Brandon earned his associate’s degree at Cuyahoga Community College before transferring to Cleveland State University. At CSU he completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences and was subsequently granted admission into Cleveland State’s doctoral program in Occupational Therapy. He went on to earn his Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (May 2024). Brandon currently serves as a Regional Occupational Therapist with National Heritage Academies (starting November 2025). Alongside his work in occupational therapy, he has held a long-standing role as Lead Pharmacy Technician at Giant Eagle, Inc. since August 2003, where he assists pharmacists with prescription processing, supports patients, and leads a team of technicians. He also works seasonally as a Walkway Coordinator for the Cleveland International Film Festival, a position he has held since March 2014.

Grayson Owens, OTD, OTR/L, is an Assistant Professor at the Pacific University School of Occupational Therapy. He is originally from Fort Smith, Arkansas, but now lives in Portland, Oregon. Grayson primarily works with older adults in the community and has experience in home health, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient. Grayson’s scholarship focuses on the lived experiences and workplace environments of LGBTQIA2S+ OTPs.

Colton Sayers is an occupational therapist, educator, and program developer specializing in neurorehabilitation, population health, and LGBTQIA2S+ inclusive care. He serves as the founder and director of the nation’s first Occupational Therapy LGBTQIA2S+ Health Fellowship at the University of Cincinnati, where he leads innovative curriculum development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and national program expansion. An adjunct instructor and research mentor at the University of Cincinnati, Dr. Sayers teaches occupational therapy theory, mental health, and advanced neurorehabilitation. He is a nationally recognized presenter with numerous peer-reviewed presentations and publications focused on LGBTQIA2S+ health, cancer survivorship, interprofessional care, and occupational therapy practice innovation.