Disaster and Development. An Occupational Perspective

Description

Disasters are confronting communities across the globe on a scale and intensity not previously witnessed.

Following devastating earthquakes in Japan, New Zealand, Haiti, China, Indonesia and Pakistan, hurricanes in the Philippines and USA, floods in Bangladesh, the Balkans and Canada, famine and droughts in Africa and Australia, and ferocious wildfires in Europe, USA and Australia, to epidemics, conflicts and terrorism unleashing indiscriminate suffering across all continents...

NO ONE IS IMMUNE...
BUT SOME ARE MORE VULNERABLE THAN OTHERS.

Allied health workers, including occupational therapists, are seeking ways to engage in a meaningful way...as professionals...individuals...and global citizens.

Disaster and Development is a ground breaking book that crosses cultures and contexts to provide a foundation for critical reflection on the role of occupation in disaster and development.

Drawing upon the experiences of survivors, and of practitioners, personnel from local and international organizations, researchers and academics, an occupational perspective is illuminated with implications for policy, practice and education.

ENDORSEMENTS:

WFOT - World Federation of Occupational Therapists
"Timely, accessible, and reflecting the real life experiences of people who survive disaster and those that endeavour to help. At last, a unique resource that occupational therapists and others can count on in bringing about survivor-led recovery and resilience."

Frank Kronenberg (co-editor, 'Occupational Therapy without Borders')
"For students and practitioners this innovative book provides practical insights and guidance to assist individuals, families and communities affected by disaster and provides an important resource for this emerging area of practice."

Key Features

• Case studies based on field experiences, include: responses to droughts, earthquakes, wildfires, and more:; survivor stories of trauma and healing; landmine action and advocacy (from local to global); accessibility and CBR in disaster recovery; empowerment approaches with vulnerable groups
• Practical considerations in promoting policy, practice and education
• Covers current/emerging disaster risks and local-global reduction strategies, including climate change
• Highlights processes, pitfalls and tips when entering the field
• Global perspective with contributions from Australia, USA, Canada, Bangladesh, Argentina, UK, Hong Kong...

Authors

Edited by Nancy Rushford, MA, MScOT, Postgraduate Fellow, Occupational Therapy, School of Health Science, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia and Kerry Thomas, BScOT, Grad Dip, Director, interPART (International Partners in Action, Research & Training), South Australia, Australia.