The government of Jamaica, seeing the need for ccupational therapists on the island, sent two psychiatric nurses to Britain to be trained as occupational therapists. In 1960, the two (first) occupational therapists returned to Jamaica. Between 1960 and 1976, other therapists were trained by the government, and other Jamaicans independently trained in the US and returned home. Together, they formed The Occupational Therapy Association of Jamaica,
which was established with its Constitution in 1972.
Since its inception, the OTAJ has been committed to maintaining, promoting, and advancing the standards of Occupational Therapy in Jamaica while advocating for the recognition and growth of Occupational Therapists as integral healthcare team members within medical, educational and social services. Members of OTAJ enjoy the ability to network, share in professional development courses, and, where possible, support their fellow occupational
therapy colleagues. This is very necessary in Jamaica, where there are few practitioners; colleague support is invaluable.
The OTAJ supports ongoing professional development and contributes to the well-being of the Jamaican community through accessible, evidence-based occupational therapy services. The OTAJ is an associate member of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), from which many of the standards of practice for the profession are derived. OTAJ is also a member of The Association of Caribbean Occupational Therapists (ACOT).
The Occupational Therapy Association of Jamaica (OTAJ) is committed to the following objectives to advance the field of Occupational Therapy and support its practitioners:
- Enhancing Standards: Upholding, promoting, and advancing the standards of Occupational Therapy in Jamaica while recognizing the role and status of graduate Occupational Therapy practitioners as integral members of the healthcare team.
- Promoting Services: Encouraging the utilization of Occupational Therapy services to benefit clients and patients across Jamaica.
- Establishing Ethical Guidelines: Developing and maintaining ethical standards through established practice guidelines.
- Advocating for Practitioners: Promoting and safeguarding the economic and general welfare of Occupational Therapists.
- Advancing Legislation: Advocating for legislation that benefits both the profession and the clients served whenever possible.
- Representation: Representing Occupational Therapists and serving as a voice with allied professionals, governmental bodies, international groups, and the general public on matters aligned with the Association's objectives.
- Collaborating with Organizations: Affiliating, coordinating, or partnering with organizations, associations, societies, or corporations that support the objectives of OTAJ.
- Public Education and Awareness: Increasing public awareness and understanding of the Occupational Therapy profession.
- Council Representation: Electing a representative to serve on the Council of Professions Supplementary to Medicine.
- Engaging Regionally and Internationally: Participating in regional and international conferences to stay informed and connected.
- Supporting Education: Encouraging and supporting educational programs to develop and strengthen the profession.
- Maintaining Membership Records: Keeping an updated registry of members for effective communication and representation.
These commitments reflect OTAJ’s dedication to advancing the Occupational Therapy profession, supporting its practitioners, and positively impacting the lives of those served by the profession.
While membership in OTAJ is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended. There are several categories of membership for local and diaspora practitioners.
- Practising Occupational Therapists
- Honorary Member OTAJ
- Student Occupational Therapist
- Associate Member -Local or Overseas
- Non-Practising (Retired) or Overseas