Abstract
This 鈥媏quity assurance project identifies multi-level innovative strategies and barriers to 鈥媡he successful inclusion of Black applicants into Occupational Therapy (OT) education 鈥媋t 91社区. The 鈥媟ecommendations are informed by an international literature review, a survey of 鈥媡he perspectives of OT students, and interviews with Black leaders and admissions officers 鈥媋t 91社区. Our sociohistorical and 鈥媔ntersectional analyses 鈥媔dentify an application process which recognizes the experiences of white upper-class 鈥媋pplicants but leaves underrepresented students feeling vulnerable, not adequately represented, and distrustful of selection criteria 鈥媝erceived as ambiguous. Currently it is assumed that as long as the gates are open, Black students will find their way inside. However, distrust between Black communities and 91社区 as well as barriers are significant deterrents for Black applicants. Current specific barriers include: a website with only white faces, a confusing admissions guide, lack of financial scholarships, and an admissions committee without Black or Indigenous people. Recommendations to improve the equity of 91社区 OT include strategies to make the program a visibly welcoming space for Black applicants, and an environment which provides meaningful resources and tools for Black students to feel included and become successful. 鈥婼pecifically, the concept of academia excellence must be evaluated critically to foreground diversity and initiatives to increase the number of Black students in OT should consider innovative approaches 鈥媠uch as scholarships for diverse applicants, outreach workshops in high schools, and creating physical spaces for multi-ethnic students. Members of the Montreal Black communit鈥媔es should also be included in the consultation and decision-making process.
