Equality

 

AOTA Code of Ethics Deep Dive Part 3 (PDE) 11-7-2022

     Equality represents the right for a human to freedom and the same opportunities as everyone else. This value is based on fairness, integrity, and unbiased viewpoints. Equality can relate directly to how an occupational therapist can provide appropriate, just services. Equality encompasses a lot of the characteristics of integrity and justice combined in conjunction with respect for a human being.

     Occupational therapists should be giving their clients the most efficient interventions in the proper amount of time. Maximum intervention is better than maximum services. If you present the client with the maximum intervention based on their diagnosis, condition or concerns, and give them as much education, instruction and attention as possible – you are providing services based on equality.

     Overall, I believe that there is a lot to consider when we are interacting with a client. However, if a therapist stays true to having integrity and utilizes empathy, ethical issues are almost non-existent. Altruism, justice and equality are all in relation to empathy and professionalism. I personally have reflected on all of these terms from AOTA Code of Ethics, and I find a strong OT-identity rooted in all of these variables that go along with just being an overall fair, decent human.

Resource:
American Occupational Therapy Association. (1993). Core values and attitudes of occupational therapy practice. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 47, 1085–1086. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.47.12.1085