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Background. Community practice in occupational therapy is becoming increasingly relevant worldwide. Moreover, a social-change approach focusing on occupational enablement is pertinent in community practice as occupational therapists endeavour to promote health, well-being, and occupational justice in communities. Purpose. Drawing on theory from the fields of community development, community engagement, and occupational enablement, and based on the findings of a previous empirical, qualitative study, a framework for occupational enablement in community practice was developed. Key Issues. This article presents the background to the development of the framework, after which the framework is introduced and discussed in terms of the composition, relevance, and application of its components. The framework details outcomes and objectives that may be targeted and activities that may be utilized successfully during occupational therapy community practice engagements. It further illuminates facilitators of enablement related to contextual factors, stakeholders, and strategies that enhance the potential for enabling community practice engagements. Implications. This framework can provide a strategic management guideline for occupational therapists and students who engage with communities in endeavours such as community development and service learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the creation of the Community Development Progress and Evaluation Tool (CD-PET), an assessment of community development fieldwork in occupational therapy. It highlights the CD-PET's five distinct phases including literature review, identification of a theoretical framework, and tool construction. Other information on the CD-PET is provided.

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The article details a study which investigated the experiences of occupational therapists who are working in community development in Canada. The study analyzed how therapists understand community development and how they designed their role in such field. It identified four qualitative themes that were relevant to the therapists' understanding of their role in community development, namely uncertainty, resourcefulness, reflection and reconciliation and role expansion. Ways to expand support and preparation for future therapists are also cited.