WFOT Disaster Management (Updated 2019)

Who is this for?

Designed for occupational therapists, assistants and students, the program may also benefit climate change adaptation professionals, development planners, project implementers and policy makers.

Time limited but want to know more about the topic? This program is designed to ensure learning is personally meaningful and professionally relevant. We will lead you through the information which is easy to engage in. This is anytime, anywhere learning to suit your work and life. You can access by desktop/ laptop, mobile and IPad devices.

What will I learn?

After completion students will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of the disaster management cycle and the equitable and sustainable patterns of human activity that can potentially reduce disaster risk and vulnerability.
• Recognize the role of the occupational therapist in the emergency response and long-term recovery of individuals, communities and populations post-disaster.
• Identify the strategic planning and coordinated efforts of one's local community, state, and country for development of risk-reduction strategies and emergency planning.
• Acquire knowledge about how to facilitate resilience, and restore health and well-being thorough occupation.
• Become aware of the available tools that exist to help people prepare for and respond to disasters.
• Apply the principles for provision of culturally-sensitive, immediate and long-term support for people with pre-existing and/or new disabilities, in consideration of the experiences of vulnerable and socially-marginalized groups

You will be led through post disaster activities:

• Day 1 – 5 : Competencies for working in disaster situations
• Day 5 – 7:  Community-preparedness for disaster
• Day 10 – 12: The immediate post-disaster role of occupational therapists and other responders
• Day 21- 28: Recovery & rehabilitation strategies - the role of occupational therapists in rebuilding communities in temporary housing & permanent structures
• Day 53+: Looking forward

How long is the course?

Activities may require the equivalent of 25 hours course time and reading. You can complete this program in your own time.

What do I need to know?

There are no course prerequisites other than your willingness to learn about this topic.

Do I receive a certificate at the end?

On completion of all requirements including final exam, a certificate of completion stating the normal number of contact hours will be issued from the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

How much does the course cost?

There is no cost to enrol in the course. WFOT resources are developed by expert occupational therapists who provide their time on a voluntary basis. The online learning platforms are funded by subscriptions from occupational therapists committed to the global development of the profession. WFOT needs your support to ensure that we can continue to provide learning materials free-of-charge to the international community. Please consider a donation to support the development of global learning resources.

The maintenance of the website hosting this module is generously supported by a donation from the Japanese Association of Occupational Therapists.