Occupational Therapy History Matters
@othistorymatters.bsky.social
Spent three years (July 2021-July 2024) ranting and raving about electic mix of #OccupationalTherapy histories from around the world on Twitter. Now mainly editing and creating on Wikipedia.
Susan E Tracy, a registered nurse and founder member of the National Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy, was born OTD in 1864.
This is one of our favourites - hope we did her justice!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_E...
This is one of our favourites - hope we did her justice!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_E...
Susan E. Tracy - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
January 22, 2026 at 6:49 AM
Susan E Tracy, a registered nurse and founder member of the National Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy, was born OTD in 1864.
This is one of our favourites - hope we did her justice!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_E...
This is one of our favourites - hope we did her justice!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_E...
Helen Smith Williard, a visionary occupational therapist, educator and author, was born OTD in 1894.
Watch this space: we are expanding her entry, starting with her contribution as a Reconstruction Aide.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_S...
Watch this space: we are expanding her entry, starting with her contribution as a Reconstruction Aide.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_S...
Helen S. Willard - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
January 22, 2026 at 6:47 AM
Helen Smith Williard, a visionary occupational therapist, educator and author, was born OTD in 1894.
Watch this space: we are expanding her entry, starting with her contribution as a Reconstruction Aide.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_S...
Watch this space: we are expanding her entry, starting with her contribution as a Reconstruction Aide.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_S...
Looking good! Getting excited!!
@wfot what's the hastag for Bangkok?
@wfot what's the hastag for Bangkok?
January 20, 2026 at 5:58 AM
Looking good! Getting excited!!
@wfot what's the hastag for Bangkok?
@wfot what's the hastag for Bangkok?
Yes, we're working together to reduce the discoverability gap, by researching and showcasing the contributions of #OccupationalTherapists most of whom are women, on X and Wikipedia. So many forgotten pioneers, such as EM Macdonald. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evelyn_...
January 14, 2026 at 6:46 PM
Yes, we're working together to reduce the discoverability gap, by researching and showcasing the contributions of #OccupationalTherapists most of whom are women, on X and Wikipedia. So many forgotten pioneers, such as EM Macdonald. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evelyn_...
Check out History and Humanity contents.
This issue contains novel approach: using library records of Archibald Hewan (1832– 1883), the first Black medical doctor known to have served as a missionary in Africa.
What does your search history say about you?
journals.sagepub.com/toc/RCP/curr...
This issue contains novel approach: using library records of Archibald Hewan (1832– 1883), the first Black medical doctor known to have served as a missionary in Africa.
What does your search history say about you?
journals.sagepub.com/toc/RCP/curr...
Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh - Volume 55, Number 4
Table of contents for Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, 55, 4
journals.sagepub.com
January 13, 2026 at 7:01 AM
Check out History and Humanity contents.
This issue contains novel approach: using library records of Archibald Hewan (1832– 1883), the first Black medical doctor known to have served as a missionary in Africa.
What does your search history say about you?
journals.sagepub.com/toc/RCP/curr...
This issue contains novel approach: using library records of Archibald Hewan (1832– 1883), the first Black medical doctor known to have served as a missionary in Africa.
What does your search history say about you?
journals.sagepub.com/toc/RCP/curr...
Yesterday:
Kamala Nimbkar, a pioneering occupational therapist was born OTD in 1932. She founded 1st School in India in 1948; the All India Occupational Therapists Association (AIOTA) in 1952; the Indian Society for the Rehabilitation of the Handicapped in 1960.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamala_...
Kamala Nimbkar, a pioneering occupational therapist was born OTD in 1932. She founded 1st School in India in 1948; the All India Occupational Therapists Association (AIOTA) in 1952; the Indian Society for the Rehabilitation of the Handicapped in 1960.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamala_...
Kamala Nimbkar - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
January 6, 2026 at 6:34 AM
Yesterday:
Kamala Nimbkar, a pioneering occupational therapist was born OTD in 1932. She founded 1st School in India in 1948; the All India Occupational Therapists Association (AIOTA) in 1952; the Indian Society for the Rehabilitation of the Handicapped in 1960.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamala_...
Kamala Nimbkar, a pioneering occupational therapist was born OTD in 1932. She founded 1st School in India in 1948; the All India Occupational Therapists Association (AIOTA) in 1952; the Indian Society for the Rehabilitation of the Handicapped in 1960.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamala_...
Oh nearly missed this! Thanks @allencognitive
Timely call to make #OTHistory matter after 100+ years neglect.
Love to hear your views. What can you - we all do?
Let's get started and continue @thewfot Congress
Free to read in Irish Journal of OT
Timely call to make #OTHistory matter after 100+ years neglect.
Love to hear your views. What can you - we all do?
Let's get started and continue @thewfot Congress
Free to read in Irish Journal of OT
January 4, 2026 at 6:42 AM
Oh nearly missed this! Thanks @allencognitive
Timely call to make #OTHistory matter after 100+ years neglect.
Love to hear your views. What can you - we all do?
Let's get started and continue @thewfot Congress
Free to read in Irish Journal of OT
Timely call to make #OTHistory matter after 100+ years neglect.
Love to hear your views. What can you - we all do?
Let's get started and continue @thewfot Congress
Free to read in Irish Journal of OT
Shocking destruction - dispersal of space history that belongs to the world.
The Library of Alexandria was burned. The Nazis burned books. Lenin destroyed Soviet science. This is no different.
Trump and the GOP are coming for both science and our libraries.
Trump and the GOP are coming for both science and our libraries.
January 2, 2026 at 7:52 AM
Shocking destruction - dispersal of space history that belongs to the world.
Welcome to new followers.
Please note we're not very active on Bluesky - a bit more on X @HistoryOt
Hope 2026 will be epic for everyone.
Please note we're not very active on Bluesky - a bit more on X @HistoryOt
Hope 2026 will be epic for everyone.
December 30, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Welcome to new followers.
Please note we're not very active on Bluesky - a bit more on X @HistoryOt
Hope 2026 will be epic for everyone.
Please note we're not very active on Bluesky - a bit more on X @HistoryOt
Hope 2026 will be epic for everyone.
Check out epic thread estimating number of #OccupationalTherapists in 1930.
Why? To put Patricia Sunderland in our historical, numerical timeline. She was one of the Ist in UK. Head OT at Cardiff City Mental Hospital @whitchurchhospital.bsky.social in 1930.
x.com/i/status/200...
Why? To put Patricia Sunderland in our historical, numerical timeline. She was one of the Ist in UK. Head OT at Cardiff City Mental Hospital @whitchurchhospital.bsky.social in 1930.
x.com/i/status/200...
OT History Matters on X: "1/10 Couldn’t resist beginning to answer this question and it is … circa 1,000 occupational therapists in 1930, mainly in America and Canada. Our ‘working outs’ are next. Hope others will verify – do proper historical research on the numbers now." / X
1/10 Couldn’t resist beginning to answer this question and it is … circa 1,000 occupational therapists in 1930, mainly in America and Canada. Our ‘working outs’ are next. Hope others will verify – do proper historical research on the numbers now.
x.com
December 30, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Check out epic thread estimating number of #OccupationalTherapists in 1930.
Why? To put Patricia Sunderland in our historical, numerical timeline. She was one of the Ist in UK. Head OT at Cardiff City Mental Hospital @whitchurchhospital.bsky.social in 1930.
x.com/i/status/200...
Why? To put Patricia Sunderland in our historical, numerical timeline. She was one of the Ist in UK. Head OT at Cardiff City Mental Hospital @whitchurchhospital.bsky.social in 1930.
x.com/i/status/200...
Celebrating the fantastic Internet Archive - making history freely available to all. Founded in 1996, the Wayback Machine is huge with over 150 billion web pages!! See what's coming in 2026, thanks to end of copyright.
blog.archive.org/public-domai...
blog.archive.org/public-domai...
Celebrate the Public Domain with the Internet Archive: 2026 | Internet Archive Blogs
blog.archive.org
December 23, 2025 at 8:05 AM
Celebrating the fantastic Internet Archive - making history freely available to all. Founded in 1996, the Wayback Machine is huge with over 150 billion web pages!! See what's coming in 2026, thanks to end of copyright.
blog.archive.org/public-domai...
blog.archive.org/public-domai...
Striking image of a Phoenix for #ChristmasColours
Foretold that @whitchurchhospital.bsky.social continues to rise from the ashes of closure, to share it's distinguished history.
Foretold that @whitchurchhospital.bsky.social continues to rise from the ashes of closure, to share it's distinguished history.
Today’s #ArchiveAdventCalendar @arascot.bsky.social
is #ChristmasColours
Tricky, as yet we haven’t got a colour photo of the beautiful hall at Christmas in the collection.
So here are a selection of colour from past exhibitions and archives…
#Colours
#Whitchurchhospital
#art
#EndofanEra
is #ChristmasColours
Tricky, as yet we haven’t got a colour photo of the beautiful hall at Christmas in the collection.
So here are a selection of colour from past exhibitions and archives…
#Colours
#Whitchurchhospital
#art
#EndofanEra
December 18, 2025 at 7:22 AM
Striking image of a Phoenix for #ChristmasColours
Foretold that @whitchurchhospital.bsky.social continues to rise from the ashes of closure, to share it's distinguished history.
Foretold that @whitchurchhospital.bsky.social continues to rise from the ashes of closure, to share it's distinguished history.
Looks fascinating. Intriguing title of seminar today: people without history are dust.
Join us 9 Dec at 5:30pm UK for our next IHR History of Sexuality seminar with Anna Hájková (Warwick) celebrating her book:
People Without History Are Dust: Queer Desire and the Holocaust
This is an ONLINE ONLY seminar. All are welcome, but please register at:
www.history.ac.uk/news-events/...
People Without History Are Dust: Queer Desire and the Holocaust
This is an ONLINE ONLY seminar. All are welcome, but please register at:
www.history.ac.uk/news-events/...
December 9, 2025 at 6:04 AM
Looks fascinating. Intriguing title of seminar today: people without history are dust.
When deaccession becomes self-destruction.
Shameful loss of significant heritage assets at the Royal Society of Medicine.
Shameful loss of significant heritage assets at the Royal Society of Medicine.
Spectacular anatomical atlases, landmark works in the history of medicine, irreplaceable manuscripts and rare early photographs from the Royal Society of Medicine’s collection are being auctioned at Christie’s London this month.
Phillip Prodger explains why these items are too important to be sold
Phillip Prodger explains why these items are too important to be sold
This auction is just what the doctor didn’t order
The Royal Society of Medicine is putting some of its rarest books and photographs up for auction at Christie’s this month. Phillip Prodger argues that it’s a case of medical negligence
buff.ly
December 7, 2025 at 6:55 AM
When deaccession becomes self-destruction.
Shameful loss of significant heritage assets at the Royal Society of Medicine.
Shameful loss of significant heritage assets at the Royal Society of Medicine.
Fantastic idea: a free online library about nurse effectiveness,
covering health equity, patient experience, provider satisfaction, value of care, and population health.
Something to replicate for #AlliedHealthProfessions #OccupationalTherapy
rnao.ca/bpg/research...
covering health equity, patient experience, provider satisfaction, value of care, and population health.
Something to replicate for #AlliedHealthProfessions #OccupationalTherapy
rnao.ca/bpg/research...
Nurse effectiveness
rnao.ca
November 29, 2025 at 4:41 AM
Fantastic idea: a free online library about nurse effectiveness,
covering health equity, patient experience, provider satisfaction, value of care, and population health.
Something to replicate for #AlliedHealthProfessions #OccupationalTherapy
rnao.ca/bpg/research...
covering health equity, patient experience, provider satisfaction, value of care, and population health.
Something to replicate for #AlliedHealthProfessions #OccupationalTherapy
rnao.ca/bpg/research...
Recommended reading about colonization and decolonization.
Big bonus: the online version is downloadable for free at:
www.taylorfrancis.com/books/oa-mon...
Big bonus: the online version is downloadable for free at:
www.taylorfrancis.com/books/oa-mon...
Collective Memory and the Dutch East Indies | Unremembering Decoloniza
Collective Memory and the Dutch East Indies: Unremembering Decolonization examines the afterlife of decolonization in the collective memory of the Netherlands.
www.taylorfrancis.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:17 AM
Recommended reading about colonization and decolonization.
Big bonus: the online version is downloadable for free at:
www.taylorfrancis.com/books/oa-mon...
Big bonus: the online version is downloadable for free at:
www.taylorfrancis.com/books/oa-mon...
Extraordinary - a play set in an #OccupationalTherapy kitchen in a secure unit.
In London now ... Would love to know the back story.
Thanks @casmilus.bsky.social for sharing review.
In London now ... Would love to know the back story.
Thanks @casmilus.bsky.social for sharing review.
November 14, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Extraordinary - a play set in an #OccupationalTherapy kitchen in a secure unit.
In London now ... Would love to know the back story.
Thanks @casmilus.bsky.social for sharing review.
In London now ... Would love to know the back story.
Thanks @casmilus.bsky.social for sharing review.
Take heed!
An example - which concludes with a warning: 'we must be alert to the very real dangers of A.I. and its potential to simplify, and ultimately impoverish, the study of the past', courtesy of Gordon McKelvie
www.historyworkshop.org.uk/practice-his...
An example - which concludes with a warning: 'we must be alert to the very real dangers of A.I. and its potential to simplify, and ultimately impoverish, the study of the past', courtesy of Gordon McKelvie
www.historyworkshop.org.uk/practice-his...
Artificial Intelligence: A Warning for History
Does A.I. have the potential to simplify, and ultimately impoverish, our study of the past? Gordon McKelvie considers the recent explosion in A.I. and what it means for historians facing the current H...
www.historyworkshop.org.uk
November 13, 2025 at 7:22 AM
Take heed!
An example - which concludes with a warning: 'we must be alert to the very real dangers of A.I. and its potential to simplify, and ultimately impoverish, the study of the past', courtesy of Gordon McKelvie
www.historyworkshop.org.uk/practice-his...
An example - which concludes with a warning: 'we must be alert to the very real dangers of A.I. and its potential to simplify, and ultimately impoverish, the study of the past', courtesy of Gordon McKelvie
www.historyworkshop.org.uk/practice-his...
1/2 Wow - lovely to see such pride in our #OTHistory
First from adult social services in the community, in the UK
socialworkwithadults.blog.gov.uk/2025/10/27/a...
First from adult social services in the community, in the UK
socialworkwithadults.blog.gov.uk/2025/10/27/a...
A Century of Occupational Therapy: Why the Next 100 Years Matter More Than Ever
Introduction To coincide with World Occupational Therapy Day (27 October) and Occupational Therapy Week (3 - 9 November), Carolyne Hague outlines the vital contribution that occupational therapy makes...
socialworkwithadults.blog.gov.uk
November 8, 2025 at 8:08 AM
1/2 Wow - lovely to see such pride in our #OTHistory
First from adult social services in the community, in the UK
socialworkwithadults.blog.gov.uk/2025/10/27/a...
First from adult social services in the community, in the UK
socialworkwithadults.blog.gov.uk/2025/10/27/a...
New #OTHistory! Thanks for sharing Katharine Burrage's story, as told by Bernie Zelitch. Always keen to find forgotten pioneers.
Sharing with colleagues @_allisulli @ChrisAlterio any others who know much more about American founders/early proponents, than us.
substack.com/@berniezelit...?
Sharing with colleagues @_allisulli @ChrisAlterio any others who know much more about American founders/early proponents, than us.
substack.com/@berniezelit...?
Bernie Zelitch | Substack
This is my bio.... President...
substack.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:19 AM
New #OTHistory! Thanks for sharing Katharine Burrage's story, as told by Bernie Zelitch. Always keen to find forgotten pioneers.
Sharing with colleagues @_allisulli @ChrisAlterio any others who know much more about American founders/early proponents, than us.
substack.com/@berniezelit...?
Sharing with colleagues @_allisulli @ChrisAlterio any others who know much more about American founders/early proponents, than us.
substack.com/@berniezelit...?
'Health and care workers: the oath takers and defenders of the
right to health' - essential reading for anyone interested in international health systems and services.
www.icn.ch/news/un-spec...
right to health' - essential reading for anyone interested in international health systems and services.
www.icn.ch/news/un-spec...
UN Special Rapporteur recognizes ICN's impact in major report on health workers as "Defenders of the Right to Health"
www.icn.ch
November 5, 2025 at 7:15 AM
'Health and care workers: the oath takers and defenders of the
right to health' - essential reading for anyone interested in international health systems and services.
www.icn.ch/news/un-spec...
right to health' - essential reading for anyone interested in international health systems and services.
www.icn.ch/news/un-spec...
It's a special day tomorrow 27 October.
International #OccupationalTherapy day at the World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT).
Why not celebrate and share with our community of 633,000 #OccupationalTherapists.
International #OccupationalTherapy day at the World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT).
Why not celebrate and share with our community of 633,000 #OccupationalTherapists.
October 26, 2025 at 6:47 AM
It's a special day tomorrow 27 October.
International #OccupationalTherapy day at the World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT).
Why not celebrate and share with our community of 633,000 #OccupationalTherapists.
International #OccupationalTherapy day at the World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT).
Why not celebrate and share with our community of 633,000 #OccupationalTherapists.
Vale Jane Goodall, an extraordinary and innovative researcher of natural behaviour in real life settings.
October 2, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Vale Jane Goodall, an extraordinary and innovative researcher of natural behaviour in real life settings.
Love the title of this new book: Woman in Health Management - global revolutionaries.
Includes a chapter about Ann Beckett: A Pioneering Irish #OccupationalTherapist, by Judith Pettigrew, Mairead Cahill and Jennifer O’Mahoney.
Includes a chapter about Ann Beckett: A Pioneering Irish #OccupationalTherapist, by Judith Pettigrew, Mairead Cahill and Jennifer O’Mahoney.
September 26, 2025 at 2:45 AM
Love the title of this new book: Woman in Health Management - global revolutionaries.
Includes a chapter about Ann Beckett: A Pioneering Irish #OccupationalTherapist, by Judith Pettigrew, Mairead Cahill and Jennifer O’Mahoney.
Includes a chapter about Ann Beckett: A Pioneering Irish #OccupationalTherapist, by Judith Pettigrew, Mairead Cahill and Jennifer O’Mahoney.
It certainly is! Fantastic library- space for contemplation and inspiration. Thanks for sharing.
September 23, 2025 at 2:48 AM
It certainly is! Fantastic library- space for contemplation and inspiration. Thanks for sharing.