PARTICIPATION MATTERS (OT WEEK 2026)

SUMMARY

Lynsay McFarlane-Shaw marks OT Week 2026 in the UK, whose theme follows World OT Day: "participation matters." She explains why the shift from talking about independence to talking about participation matters. She then turns the theme toward supervision. She asks listeners how they take part in their own supervision, what they get from it, and what they could change.

Themes

1. Use participation language in practice, not only independence. (1:21)
2. Advocate for what clients need, not just what the service can currently provide. (2:47)
3. Check what you get from supervision. If it isn't working, ask what you can change. (6:02)
4. Choose the supervision style that fits where you are now: one-to-one, team or group. (5:35)
5. Make space for what fills your cup. Start with yourself the person, then work outwards to you the therapist. (9:20)

 NOTABLE QUOTES 

"If our aim is always about independence, maybe we overlook participation." (1:21)

"Even if our services perhaps can't provide it, we should be advocating for their needs, not what the service provision can do." (2:47)

"There's no point in us participating in something that's not giving us what we need." (5:35) 

"If it's not working, what are we going to do about it?" (6:02)

"Balance doesn't mean equal." (6:58)

"What are you making space for in your own life that fills your cup?" (9:20)

Takeaways: (10:13)

• What are the benefits and challenges of your supervision right now?
• What action could you take?
• Who will you share that reflection with?

Timestamps

0:00 Welcome and OT Week 2026 theme: participation matters

0:55 From independence to participation

2:18 Participation and occupational justice

2:47 Advocating for client needs, beyond what a service can provide

3:16 Advocacy at service, organisation and policy level

4:12 Turning it around: how do you participate in supervision?

5:06 What are you getting from supervision, and what style suits you?

6:02 If it's not working, what will you do about it?

6:28 Holistic supervision: governance, professional development and CPD

6:58 Occupational balance and bringing life's ups and downs to supervision

7:55 Participating differently: prepare, bring variety, raise gaps

9:20 Why participation matters for you too: what fills your cup?

9:49 Your takeaway: reflect and act on your supervision

10:13 Sign-off: share, follow and review

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