Implementing the Revised WFOT Minimum Standards for the Education of Occupational Therapists

There is a requirement from the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) for all schools listed on the approved-schools list to be monitored by their national association every five years. With the revised minimum standards (2002) setup by the WFOT, all national associations are required to review their schools and make sure that they meet the new standards. All schools must meet these standards by 2007 to continue to be listed on the approved-schools list. This article reviews the new standard, which has been revised to incorporate the societal shift toward inclusion, as well as the occupation-based philosophy that is the foundation of occupational therapy. Examples are given in the unique context of Hong Kong. The new standard is less prescriptive than in the past and incorporates local cultural and societal perspectives.