An alternative training model within occupational therapy developed at Deakin University, in Australia, named Occupation, Wellness and Life-Satisfaction (OWLS) is presented. OWLS provides students with opportunities to practice in nontraditional settings, thus enabling strategic learning in non-clinical settings, including working with professionals who are not occupational therapists and with different work cultures and practices, in response to gaps identified within the community. It promotes opportunities for developing skills such as health promotion, health education and assessment and interventions in schools, thus improving the health and wellbeing of the community. The program has contributed towards development of new projects, with positive results achieved by students, thereby representing an important educational strategy for professional occupational therapy training and expanding the field of activities.
Professional training; Occupational therapy; Community; Practical training