Occupational therapy networks are established when a group of CAOT Members and Associates who share common interests identify a need to create an open forum for collaboration. The main objective of these networks is to enhance the capacity of the occupational therapy profession in a specific area. In addition, practice networks may serve as a platform to (1) develop a shared vision, share resources, and take collective action on current CAOT projects and initiatives; (2) provide opportunities for networking and mentoring among members; and (3) advocate for occupational therapy services and raise awareness of its importance in promoting health and wellbeing in various areas of practice. 
Joining a Practice Network or Community of Practice is free for CAOT members. Non CAOT members can purchase a 1-year subscription to the Practice Networks.
Practice Networks
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Private practice clinical network Launched in Winter 2022, the Private practice clinical network provides a forum for sharing clinical focused expertise and experience in private practice in order to advance excellence in occupational therapy. Learn more |
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Home modifications & inclusive design practice network Launched in Winter 2022, the Home modifications & inclusive design practice network provides a forum for sharing expertise and experience in home modifications and inclusive design in order to advance excellence in occupational therapy. Learn more |
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Justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) OT practice network Launched in Fall 2021, the JEDI-OT practice network provides a space to collectively share and build occupational therapy’s community and capacity for anti-oppressive and accountable systems and practices. We address equity domains such as access, representation, mentorship, leadership, allyship, and professional development within the workforce and education, as we aim towards a more just occupational therapy. Learn more |
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Occupational therapy for Armed Forces members, Veterans and their families (OTAFMVF) practice network In Canada, Occupational Therapists (OT) have a long, proud history of working with active Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) military members and Veterans that date back to the Great War. Presently, OTs are actively working in multiple capacities and domains of health to provide assessment, treatment, and services to military members, Veterans, and their families to assist with their overall health and well-being. Due to the wide range of OTs across our nation working with this population, and the need to increase promotion, education, and communication regarding this great work, the Occupational therapy for Armed Forces members, Veterans and their families (OTAFMVF) practice network has been developed. |
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Technology for occupation and participation practice network |
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Occupational therapists and sensory processing practice network |
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Occupational therapists working in dementia care practice network |
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Occupational therapy in vision rehabilitation practice network |
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Palliative and End-of-Life care practice network |
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Retired members practice network |
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Addressing suicide in occupational therapy practice network |
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Sexuality and occupational therapy practice network |
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Chronic pain and occupational therapy practice network |
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Ergonomics practice network The Ergonomics practice network is a place for clinicians to learn about ergonomic topics, discuss new ideas and engage in clinical discussion. The hope for this network is that it will be a forum for individuals with a passion for ergonomics. Whether you are a veteran in this practice area, brand new to the occupational therapy profession or anywhere in between, we invite you to come join us. Bring your ideas and questions! Learn more |
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Mental health & substance use practice network |
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Neurology practice network |
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Occupation in practice network |
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Communities of Practice
CAOT Communities of Practice are localized occupational therapy networks that advance professional practice in a specific region and/or practice area.
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New! Sask Starters Community of Practice |
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OT & Long COVID Community of Practice Québec A dedicated forum for occupational therapists to share their experiences, discuss key issues related to the rehabilitation of long COVID, and exchange relevant resources. In addition to providing recommendations targeting the needs of occupational therapists working in this area, this community of practice aspires to foster best practices by sharing knowledge. This platform will serve as a place of exchange and mutual support for occupational therapy professionals in Québec. |
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Driver rehabilitation provider community of practice British Columbia The purpose of this community of practice is to maintain a collaborative relationship with RoadSafetyBC to ensure high quality Functional Driving Evaluations in the province of BC. |
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Dysphagia community of practice British Columbia The purpose of this group is to provide a forum for the distribution and discussion of resources relevant to the assessment and treatment of dysphagia. |
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Northern BC community of practice British Columbia The Northern BC community of practice is made up of OTs from across the region who work in diverse practice areas and with a wide variety of client populations. |
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Pediatric community of practice British Columbia The Pediatric community of practice (BC) is a collection of occupational therapists working with the pediatric population in a variety of settings (acute, private practice, school based, rehab, community). Our goal is to come together as a group to network, collaborate, provide education, resources and support to OTs with all levels of experience while ensuring we promote best practice that is evidence based and client centered. |
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Private practice business network British Columbia The CAOT-BC Private practice business network (PPBN) is a network of private practice businesses in British Columbia. There is no restriction to the size of private practice that can participate in the PPBN (e.g. sole practice, large company). The focus of the PPBN is to support the business aspect of providing occupational therapy services in the private sector. This network discusses issues including, but not limited to: third party funders, business practices and advocacy. |
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Communauté de pratique en Ergothérapie populationnelle Québec La mission de la communauté de pratique Ergothérapie populationnelle consiste à créer une dynamique d'apprentissage et de partage des connaissances, des bonnes pratiques et d'outils visant à promouvoir et développer l'ergothérapie populationnelle. |
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Partner Networks
External organizations or networks that provide educational resources, networking opportunities, and sharing of data/resources via partnerships and connections with CAOT.
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OT Climate Action Network (OT-CAN) |
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Occupational justice for newcomers network This network launched in 2017, following the arrival of over 40,000 Syrian refugees who were welcomed to Canada in 2016/2017. This increase in refugees brought greater public attention to the wellbeing of the newcomer population in Canada and has further highlighted the need for meaningful occupational opportunities for newcomers. The existing research on this topic demonstrates the strong contributions occupational therapy can make toward the successful re-settlement and integration of refugees, as well as the need for greater occupational therapy involvement with newcomers living with disabilities. The launch of this network was motivated by the desire to build occupational therapy capacity in Canada to address these opportunities and needs. |
CAOT values inclusivity and supports engagement in practice networks by reducing structural, financial, physical, and other barriers to access. If you are having difficulty accessing the practice networks, please connect with the chair of the respective practice network you would like to join or contact us directly at networks@caot.ca for assistance.
Creating a new network
- Ensure your idea for a new CAOT Occupational Therapy Network is intended to meet the primary goal of building capacity.
- Complete this electronic form to describe the need for a new network and to indicate if you are willing to be a chair.
- If desired, share the link to the electronic form with other occupational therapists across Canada who will be interested in participating in this network.