Reviewing OT Week 2026: Participation Changes Everything
OT Week 2026 focuses on how participation changes everything
Every day we take part in the occupations that we want, need, or like to do. They give life purpose and structure, ranging from learning, working, enjoying a hobby, or maintaining self-care.
How we participate with these things contributes to how we see ourselves and our place in the world.
For OT Week 2026, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) is focusing on “Participation Changes Everything”. The theme is putting an occupational therapy fundamental in the spotlight, highlighting how participation is closely linked to health, wellbeing, and quality of life. They are also spotlighting how occupational therapists are experts in enabling participation within daily activities.
Occupational therapists understand the power of participation – and the influence and importance of the social environment on independence and wellbeing. 
Krysalis Founder and CEO, Jo Throp
Realising potential, transforming lives
At Krysalis, we see the difference participation can make for people with brain injury, neurodivergence, and neurological conditions. A person may be physically able to complete an activity, yet fatigue, memory difficulties, reduced confidence, or sensory overload can still make taking part difficult.
This is why occupational therapists look beyond whether someone can do something. Instead, we explore what matters to the individual, what may be getting in the way, and what could facilitate a meaningful and sustainable way forward.
Early intervention is key to boosting individuals confidence. It puts in place helpful habits, routines, roles, and environments to promote good performance participation and wellbeing.
Krysalis neurological occupational therapist, Anna F
Looking beyond a week
OT Week creates an important opportunity to celebrate the profession, share real-life outcomes and help people understand what occupational therapy is. However, occupational therapists should not wait for one week to position themselves as experts.
As occupational therapists, our distinctive understanding of the relationship between the person, their occupations and their environment helps us to support people every day. It drives conversations around early intervention, prevention, education, and the future of health and social care, which was the focus of 2024’s OT Week.
Owning that expertise may look like speaking confidently about participation, sharing evidence and outcomes, or contributing to wider discussions about OT to clients, families, referrers, and decision-makers.
This OT Week, Krysalis has been celebrating how participation changes everything and the difference that occupational therapy can make. Then, once this week ends, we’ll be continuing to use our voice, demonstrate our value and position ourselves with confidence.
