World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)

Defining standards for occupational therapy around the world

The World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) was established as federation of national occupational therapy associations in 1952. The UK was a founder member. The BAOT delegate to WFOT holds an elected seat on Council. The WFOT Council meets every two years and holds a World Congress every fourth year, hosted by a member association. WFOT publishes a ‘Bulletin’ twice a year and has a range of core publications such as the ‘WFOT Minimum Standards for the Education of Occupational Therapists’, used by educational institutions worldwide as the gold standard.

WFOT’s strategic and operational plans outline the activities and impact of the international organisation on the profession

WFOT maintains liaison with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other international (non-governmental) health organisations such as UNICEF, UNESCO, INIA, Rehabilitation International (RI), International Council on Disability (ICOD) and the World Confederation of Physical Therapists (WCPT) with whom WFOT has full professional relationship.These relationships are critical in developing the profile of the profession. WFOT is currently undertaking over 50 projects under four programme areas:

All BAOT members are eligible for individual WFOT membership

Members of the British Association can join WFOT for £15. Individual members of WFOT receive copies of the WFOT Bulletin, the organisation’s international professional journal, which keeps members up to date with peer reviewed research articles and activities in other member associations and countries.

The individual members section of the website also enables people to register with the Occupational Therapy International Outreach Network (OTION). Members of OTION can seek or provide support from or to colleagues all over the world. This site also allows members to access information about non-government organisations which employ therapists in developing countries. Other benefits include:

• Guidance documents exclusive to WFOT members only
• Regular e-bulletins 
• Eligibility to apply for research awards to advance your education and practice
• The opportunity to purchase items from the WFOT Shop at a discounted rate – including promotional materials.
• A unique membership card, provided courtesy of the College of Occupational Therapists [COT]
• Access to a dedicated BAOT/COT Council Member with responsibility for International Affairs associated with WFOT
• Individual members can be involved in WFOT projects and contribute to the evolution of the profession at a global level

Senior Lecturer
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
York St John University, Lord Mayor's Walk
York, YO31 7EX, United Kingdom
Email A.LaverFawcett@yorksj.ac.uk

Members of BAOT should email membership@cot.co.uk to join WFOT.

• Visit WFOT