This is an excellen quote to introduce online communities and how they relate to Occupational therapy. "Technology can actually transform occupational opportunities. An example of technology creating opportunities for social occupations is the Internet. Because of instant messaging, social networking websites, blogsites, and interactive games, the Internet has created a new range of social occupations that enable persons with and without physical disabilities to participate in social networks and to greatly reduce the social isolation that disability previously often created." (Whiteford, 2010, p. 320).
My chosen topic relating to online communities in which I have personal experience in the OT
practice area is that regarding Te Umanga Whakaora.
"Engaging occupations ordinarily involve atleast some connection to a community of people who shared a common interest in the occupation." (Jonsson, 2010, p. 223). Not only is our common interest Occupational Therapy but there is also that cultural aspect of being Maori and what it means to be a Maori OT.
Te Umanga Whakaora - Maori Occupational Therapist
http://www.facebook.com/groups/202468123121012/?ref=ts#!/groups/202468123121012/
The intended purpose of this site is for Maori Occupational Therapists to share thoughts, ideas, network, keep in contact and mentor the up and coming therapists.
This site is continually updated with members using it on a regular basis for the above mentioned reasons. People contribute when it suits them, to ask questions and inform others about certain events.
People ask questions regarding assignments that specifically relate to Maori, Inform about up and coming meetings for Te Umanga Whakaora, Job prospects, and updates regarding personal lives.
People choose to contribute to interact with others who have the same interests, life stories, and to gain more knowledge. It is just another form of communication, but where everyone that is apart of the community can see. It by passes having to send a number of emails from you contact list to one posting which everyone will receive and have the opportunity to reply to.
People generally seek that sense of community, even though it is a virtual community the feeling is still the same. Most are informative, so it can provide a source of information. Personal experience is just as valid is that in text books.
Information is definitely reciprocal. People post on online communities because they validate their peers import.
There are two concepts that I would definitely associate with Te Umanga Whakaora because I too am a member of this online community therefore occupational transition does relate to this site. Occupational Transition can be defined as a major change in the occupational repertoire of a person a transition can be expected and awaited such as a student becomes a worker (Jonsson, 2012). Te Umanga Whakaora was set up to support Maori Occupational Therapist throughout their journey, or through their transition from prospective student to student to practicing occupational therapist
Reference
Jonsson, H. (2010). Occupational transitions: Work to retirement. In C. Christiansen & E. Townsend. Introduction to occupation: The art and science of living (2nd ed.)(pp. 221-230). New Jersey: Pearson Education
"Occupational Justice meanst that we look at diverse occupational needs, strengths, and potentioal of individuals and groups, while at the same time considering issues of rights, fairness, empowerment and enablement of occupational opportunities." (Stadnyk, Townsend & Wilkcock, 2010, p. 331). This relates specifically to Te Umanga Whakaora because regardless of our Hapu or Iwi, Maori identify strongly with that sense of community so have put in place a community where Maori OTs can be supported, empowered and seek opportunities.
Reference
Stadnyk, R., Townsend, E. & Wilkcock, A. (2010). Occupational justice. In C. Christiansen & E. Townsend. Introduction to occupation: The art and science of living (2nd ed.)(pp. 329-358). New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc
When considering material presended regarding potential ethical issues that may arise in this community is it being perceived as exclusive to Maori and not inclusive to all OT's who may want that support and sense of community. It could be misused as no one sustains and manages the community.
There are benefits and limitations to online communities with relation to traditional geographical communities and the obvious factor is location. It doesn't matter where you reside you can access the site and update everyone. Other benefits is it provides up to date information, fosters understanding and unity and an equality of voice. I have attended Te Umanga Whakaora meetings and everyones voice is heard regardless if you are a first year student or a practicing OT. The limitations is that not everyone has access to the internet continually you could miss out on information if this is the only way the community communicates, you could become dependant on the site with regards to decision making sourcing other peoples ideas as opposed to coming up with your own, and possibly respecting their decisions, disregarding your own thinking they know better.
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