NJOTA Statement: Justice and Systemic Racism

In light of recent events, the New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association would like to share that we support the equity and inclusion of all of our colleagues, families, friends, and neighbors. As a profession, occupational therapy has always fostered inclusion and the right of every client we serve to be able to engage in meaningful occupations. We stand against systemic racism and support occupational justice for all, a stance consistent with AOTA’s Statement on Justice and Systemic Racism.

The NJOTA Board acknowledges that we need to be more

proactive in our approach to diversity and our efforts regarding the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, in the New Jersey occupational therapy community. We know that we need to take action. NJOTA currently has a vacant board position for a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Liaison, formerly the Multicultural Liaison that has historically been difficult to fill. We see the value in this essential position, leading a dedicated committee of individuals to represent the interests of all NJOTA members. This role would be integral in guiding the organization in future endeavors, focusing on diversity across the spectrum, equality in all actions, and inclusion in all instances. If you would like to champion these efforts, please contact us. In addition to filling this position, we need to do more to assure equity and inclusion and we want to hear from you, our members. How can we as the NJOTA Board, along with our occupational therapy practitioners, students, and faculty, make a change for the better? What are the next steps we need to take?