Human displacement, occupational disruptions, and reintegration: a case study

Displacement places individuals in unfamiliar contexts, disrupts their occupational lives in deep ways, and consequently impacts their health and wellbeing. Displaced persons have to essentially reconstruct their lives in unfamiliar sociocultural contexts that are dramatically different from their home countries. New ways of performing familiar occupations have to be re-learnt, while negotiating their place in the new context. Occupational therapists can facilitate the adjustment and integration of migrants. They can help them re-establish daily occupational routines and habits; educate them on cultural norms, expectations, and behaviors in the new context; and empower them with skills and know-how to navigate systems. Enabling participation enhances the wellbeing and self-efficacy of migrants, and promotes integration.