World Federation of Occupational Therapists (est.1952)

The collection includes a wealth of contemporary clinical information. This is mainly through sources such as papers presented at International Congresses (held every four years); newsletter articles on topical issues contributed by national associations on a rotational basis; and study courses held at the International Congresses. The study courses provided a means of continuing education for qualified occupational therapists.

There are also publications by the federation which provided information on the vocation for the public as well as guidance for members on important practical issues such as employment requirements in different countries and a code of ethics.

The Federation's constitution was developed at the meeting and contained the following objectives: "to act as the official international organization for the promotion of occupational therapy; to promote international cooperation among occupational therapy associations, therapists and other allied professional groups; to advance the practice and standards of occupational therapy; to help maintain the ethics and to advance the interests of the profession; to facilitate the international exchange and placements of therapists and students; to facilitate the exchange of information; to promote the education and training of therapists and to hold international congresses".

The current WFOT mission statement is: "WFOT promotes occupational therapy as an art and science internationally. The Federation supports the development, use and practice of occupational therapy worldwide, demonstrating its relevance and contribution to society".

There are three tiers of membership: organisation, associate and individual. The WFOT is funded through subscriptions from national associations and individual members as well as donations and bequests.

The following is an interim description of material that has been acquired since this collection was catalogued. This description may change when cataloguing takes place in future:

5 boxes received in October 2016 (acc. 2303 & 2304), containing WFOT Bulletins and E-newsletters; WFOT Meetings; WFOT International Congresses; WFOT Publications; Photos; and Miscellaneous.