Perspectives on Occupation-Based Practice : Foundation and Future of Occupational Therapy

This new compilation of the most influential literary works in occupational therapy presents the richness of the profes­sion's heritage while addressing current realities and future directions for practice. A comprehensive anthology of more than 70 recognized classics and landmark recent works, this publication provides essential knowledge about theory and practice. From Adolf Meyer's 1922 Philosophy to Elea­nor Clark Slagle Lectures to seminal international writings to the latest Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, this text provides a convenient library of the best of the best in occupational therapy literature. Thought-provoking introductions with study questions challenge readers to analyze their perceptions about person-directed, occupation-based practice.

Rita P. Fleming-Castaldy, PhD, OT/L, FAOTA, has been an occupational therapist for more than 35 years. She began her career in acute psychiatry, expanding her practice into community mental health, case management, and transitional living programs. In each of her clinical positions, Dr. Fleming-Castaldy developed and maintained an active fieldwork program. Her love of teaching the next generation of occupational therapy practitioners motivated her to obtain post-professional master of arts and doctor of philosophy degrees in occupational therapy and assume the role of full-time academic educator. Currently, she is an associate professor of occupational therapy at the Panuska College of Professional Studies at the University of Scranton.

Dr. Fleming-Castaldy is a staunch advocate for the development of public policies and professional practices that enable full societal participation for persons with disabilities. In her written work and presentations, Dr. Fleming-Castaldy combines her personal experience as a family caregiver with her professional expertise to promote occupational therapy's role in ensuring that all persons with disabilities are able to pursue meaningful occupations within their environments of choice. She is strongly committed to promoting the development of historical literacy within the field and ensuring that the relevance of the profession's heritage to current and future occupational therapy practice is recognized.

Dr. Fleming-Castaldy has authored and edited 18 textbooks. She is the author or coauthor of more than 200 book chapters, peer-reviewed national and international journal articles, and peer-reviewed national and international occupational therapy and interdisciplinary conference presentations. Dr. Fleming-Castaldy is considered a leading expert on the national occupational therapy certification examination. Her research interests include examining the relationships among occupation, social participation, and quality of life for persons with significant disabilities who reside in the community.

Dr. Fleming-Castaldy is an active member in several professional and consumer associations. She serves on the editorial boards of the American Journal of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Therapy in Mental Health. In 2002, she received the honor of being named a Fellow to the American Occupational Therapy Association for innovation and leadership in education and advocacy. Many of Dr. Fleming-Castaldy s works are referenced under her former name of Fleming Cottrell.