Outline

Overview

This unit of study critically examines the theoretical foundations and processes of working with communities in order to develop competencies for enabling occupation and promoting health and well being at a community level. Students will gain knowledge on theories of community development and health promotion. Students will learn and apply community development tools to each stage of the occupational performance practice process. Enablement skills required for intervention at the level of the community will be explored and students will gain knowledge of ethical frameworks to support professional decision making when working with communities. This unit of study develops the capacity of students to participate in the development of emerging roles for occupational therapy practice with communities and develops competence for working cross culturally. It includes a specific emphasis on working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. WFOT Minimum Standards for the Education of Occupational Therapists require critical reflexivity to develop knowledge, confidence, and the ability to work within a human rights framework. Student will explore both of these skill sets. This unit also aims to support the Australian Occupational Therapy Competency Standards which require occupational therapist to specifically acknowledge the need to enhance their cultural responsiveness and capabilities for practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Participation Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	OCCP5208 and OCCP5218 and (OCCP5255 or OCCP5219)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Josephine Gwynn, josephine.gwynn@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Nathaniel Tamwoy, nathaniel.tamwoy@sydney.edu.au
	Shane Clifton, shane.clifton@sydney.edu.au
	Liesl Peters, liesl.peters@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 May 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Small test	Critical reflection and culturally responsive OT practice. Short answer questions on Critical Reflection, culturally responsive OT practice with Indigenous communities (LO2) and group work process (LO1) required for collaboration with communities. Students to also complete a brief OT CPD plan.	35%	Week 03 Closing date: 07 May 2025	I hour
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Community development project PART A - proposal Students can choose their project proposal mode. Think creatively and consider a short video, a storyboard, an info-graphic or other. Must clearly explain your project proposal according to rubric. Attach your logic model.	15%	Week 05 Due date: 20 May 2025 at 17:00	800 words or equivalent.
Outcomes assessed:
Supervised exam ?	Community Development Project PART B - individual defence This exam will examine students understanding of their community development project as described in their funding proposal.	50%	Week 07 Due date: 02 Jun 2025 at 10:00	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Critical reflection and culturally responsive OT practice. Short answer questions on Critical Reflection, culturally responsive OT practice with Indigenous communities (LO2) and group work process (LO1) required for collaboration with communities. Students will also complete a brief OT CPD plan.
Community development project PART A – Creative project proposal. Students can choose their project proposal mode. Think creatively and consider a short video, a storyboard, an info-graphic or other. Must clearly explain your project proposal according to rubric. Attach your logic model.
Community Development Project PART B - individual defence. This exam will examine students understanding of their community development project as described in their funding proposal.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.’ (e.g. assessment rubrics) and submission instructions are published on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to OCCP5228 and to OT practice with communities - an Occupational Science framework	Block teaching (3 hr)
Week 01	Expanding understandings of OT and working with communities for change: an occupation based community development framework.	Block teaching (3 hr)
Week 02	Working with communities - focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, critical self reflection and co-design.	Block teaching (3 hr)
Week 02	Working with communities - focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and contextual determinants of occupation.	Block teaching (3 hr)
Week 03	Socio-ecological theory - expanding understanding of a 'systems' approach to community development.	Block teaching (3 hr)
Week 03	Unpacking your occupation based program ideas for communities, and developing the PITCH for your program.	Block teaching (3 hr)
Week 04	The PITCH: group presentations on early stage program ideas and peer feedback.	Block teaching (3 hr)
Week 04	Developing your occupation based community program and building your Logic Model.	Block teaching (3 hr)
Week 05	Ethical OT practice and working with communities. Applying the OT Code of ethics	Block teaching (3 hr)
Week 05	Process and impact evaluation: measuring outcomes for community development programs and commencing the funding application	Block teaching (3 hr)
Week 06	Writing a funding application and preparing a budget.	Block teaching (3 hr)
Week 06	Finalising your program funding application.	Block teaching (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are required to participate each week.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

These will be provided on students e-reserve list in Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. expand professional competence for occupational therapy practice with communities. A specific emphasis will be placed on three enablement skills that is to collaborate, educate (build capacity), and advocate.
LO2. demonstrate cultural awareness, sensitivity, and safety in becoming a culturally competent occupational therapist - particularly when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
LO3. recognise and raise awareness of expressions of occupational (in)justice in diverse cultures, community, and organisational contexts and develop participatory responses that promote health and well-being of communities.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.5. Practises in a culturally responsive and culturally safe manner, with particular respect to culturally diverse client groups 1.7. Collaborates and consults ethically and responsibly for effective client-centred and interprofessional practice 1.9. Identifies and manages the influence of her/his values and culture on practice 2.5. Maintains current knowledge for cultural responsiveness to all groups in the practice setting 3.1. Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement 3.12. Uses effective collaborative, multidisciplinary and interprofessional approaches for decision-making and planning 3.7. Reflects on practice to inform and communicate professional reasoning and decision-making 4.1. Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively 4.4. Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.6. Incorporates and responds to historical, political, cultural, societal, environmental and economic factors influencing health, wellbeing and occupations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 2.4. Understands and responds to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health philosophies, leadership, research and practices 3.6. Seeks to understand and incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ experiences of health, wellbeing and occupations encompassing cultural connections 4.3. Works ethically with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations to understand and incorporate relevant cultural protocols and communication strategies, with the aim of working to support self-governance in communities
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.15. Addresses issues of occupational justice in practice 1.5. Practises in a culturally responsive and culturally safe manner, with particular respect to culturally diverse client groups 1.7. Collaborates and consults ethically and responsibly for effective client-centred and interprofessional practice 1.9. Identifies and manages the influence of her/his values and culture on practice 2.5. Maintains current knowledge for cultural responsiveness to all groups in the practice setting 3.1. Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement 3.12. Uses effective collaborative, multidisciplinary and interprofessional approaches for decision-making and planning 3.7. Reflects on practice to inform and communicate professional reasoning and decision-making 4.1. Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively 4.4. Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit has been redesigned as an intensive in accordance with the curriculum re-design for the Masters in OT. In response to student feedback in 2024 the following changes have also been included: • The number of assessments has been reduced to three, with the 2nd and 3rd tightly related. • 85% of assessment marks are directed at assessing students individual learning. • 15% of assessment marks are directed at assessing the group project with feedback provided within 3 days to assist preparation for the exam. • Students now begin working on the grant application from week 2 with opportunity to work on their project in class in each workshop. • This unit is now positioned prior to the project placement unit OCCP5253 in which students work in small groups. OCCP5228 prepares students for the group work involved and builds required skills for working in communities.

Additional information

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on the Unit of Study Canvas home page in a document titled ADDITIONAL UNIT OF STUDY INFORMATION.

Additional costs

Not applicable.

Site visit guidelines

Not applicable.

Work, health and safety

As per University of Sydney policies.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

OCCP5228: Enabling Occupation with Communities

Intensive April - May, 2025 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links