Independent Community Placements

Independent Community Placements (ICPs) have a long history within the University of Alberta Department of Occupational Therapy. ICPs offer students an extra-ordinary, but equivalent, opportunity for fieldwork learning as well as providing positive service contributions to our Alberta and Saskatchewan communities.

ICPs are 'role-emerging' or ‘role expanding’ placements

Role emerging … occur when/where there is an identified need/role for Occupational Therapy but where OT services are currently not available to the clients because an OT is not currently employed at the agency or fieldwork site.

Role expanding … occur when/where there is an identified need/role for a greater scope of Occupational Therapy services. The OT employed by the site may be part-time or perhaps new to their position.

Examples of ICP sites:

  • Housing Programs and Shelters: Senior’s Association of Greater Edmonton (Sage), Inn from the Cold (Calgary)
  • Non-profit agencies supporting communities and equity deserving individuals negotiating mental illness and, poverty: Boyle Street Community Services, The Crocus (Saskatoon)
  • Agencies providing support and programming for specialized populations: Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton (SAGE): Potential Place (Calgary), Children's Cottage (Calgary), Camp Horizon (Bragg Creek).
  • University of Alberta supported programs: Academic Success Centre, Corbett Clinic.

In an ICP, a designated Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Educator, employed by the University of Alberta MScOT fieldwork team, provides weekly and on-call OT supervision as well as hands-on teaching and consultation throughout the placement through a mentoring relationship. Students are involved in 1:1 interventions, client education, group interventions and assessment, linking with community resources, consultation and site staff education.

ICPs offer students significant, valuable learning opportunities that promote independence & initiative while fostering personal & professional growth.

More Information and news articles about role-emerging placements: