Social Justice Reflection

What an important topic in our profession that I knew little about prior to my
journey at Touro University Nevada (TUN). Although I still do not have an entire
grasp on the topic of social justice, I have a broader perspective and understanding
as it relates to our profession and the clients we will work with. To me, social justice
means to provide socially just opportunities and equal rights to all individuals, no
matter their representation, group, values, or beliefs in society. Prior to taking the
social justice class in fifth semester, the concepts of social justice and injustice, for
me, were overlooked and often times ignored. Not because I wasnt sensitive to the
injustice that was going on around me, but because I wasnt really aware of it and
the individuals being marginalized due to who they were and not being afforded
equal opportunities as an occupational being.
Although I have volunteered for multiple events and supported various
causes, I did not truly understand the true meaning behind the event and what I
was attending it for. I have always been involved with my community and have
given back actively, but looking back it doesnt mean much when you are not aware
of who are what you are giving to. My first social justice event took place in first
semester where I helped tag thousands of ducks for duck derby. The reason I chose
to be involved with this event is because it is a non-profit organization that provides
pediatric healthcare services for children with disabilities around Southern Nevada. I
adopted three ducks to support this foundation and to help raise awareness.
Continuing to progress through the program at TUN, in second semester I
volunteered at the wheelchair tennis event. This event was a great eye-opening
experience as I was able to see just how passionate these players were and the
obstacles they faced when competing in this sport.
I continued to participate in social justice each semester following, which
continued to broaden my perspective on the concept. The concept became much

clearer when we had a class specifically dedicated to social justice in fifth semester.
We had extensive discussions each day on various marginalized populations that
are experiencing occupational injustice and where occupational therapy fits in with
these populations. We also had to complete a presentation within this course on a
specific population that is being marginalized or oppressed and what we can do
about the problem. My specific population was at risk youth specifically, dropouts.
The research that went into this presentation as well the associated book that I read
allowed me to understand this population more intensely as well as the implications
occupational therapy has on this population. My understanding of social justice
since the beginning of my journey at TUN has progressed and expanded, which will
benefit me as an entry level practitioner working with these various populations.