Microcredentials: Race & Ethnicity in Occupational Therapy

MICROCREDENTIAL PROGRAMMING

Presented by Dr. Alaa Abou-Arab, OTD, OTR/L

1 contact hour

Description:

This course explores the impact of racism, structural inequities, and racial trauma on occupational engagement and health outcomes. Participants will examine both personal and systemic biases, apply racially informed frameworks, and develop culturally responsive interventions. The course emphasizes strategies that promote trust, equity, and meaningful participation for racially minoritized clients within occupational therapy practice.

Objectives:

• Analyze how historical and modern racism, structural inequities, and local demographics influence occupational access, engagement, and health outcomes for racially minoritized clients.
• Integrate racially informed frameworks and culturally responsive strategies into their therapeutic process to recognize and address racial trauma in occupational therapy practice.
• Evaluate the impact of personal and professional biases, privilege, and identity in addition to organizational policies on clinical reasoning, client outcomes, and decision-making.
• Create client centered interventions and coping strategies that promote trust, equity, and meaningful participation for racially minoritized clients.

Presenter Bios:

Dr. Alaa Abou-Arab, OTD, OTR/L, is co-founder of kNOwBiaS, a long-time activist rooted in anti-war, anti-oppression, and anti-racism. He was born and raised in a small town in Ohio by my immigrant Lebanese parents. He received his occupational therapy training in Philadelphia, PA, and later obtained his Occupational Therapy Doctorate from Temple University. He received a Teaching in Higher Education Certificate and his research involved exploring racial bias in the field of occupational therapy. His personal and professional experiences have given him a unique and genuine expertise in the intersections of race, health, culture, and justice. Partnering with Alaa could mean that you are better able to address racism, bias, and oppression in your institution, and facilitate powerful discussions that truly embrace justice for all and can ultimately change and save lives.