In response to recent discussions regarding Occupational Therapists competencies in wheelchair-skills training, the NSSOT is looking to form a community of practice on this topic. A community of practice is a group of people who share a passion for something, such as education for wheelchair-users and caregivers, which they do regularly and wish to improve. 

A 2020 study by Dr. Ronald Lee Kirby, Cher Smith, and Kim Parker of the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre found that "about one-third of OTs considered themselves adequately prepared for the trainer role". 

Furthermore, a recent CBC article looked at how client perception of OTs competencies in wheelchair-skills training, especially that of training for power mobility, is lacking at this time. 

Following discussions with practicing OTs and recent OT graduates, we believe there is a need for a community of practice for wheelchair-skills education for users and caregivers within Nova Scotia. The Community Of Practice Network is for OTs who work in areas where they prescribe and provide training to network, share information, etc. This would allow all OTs to keep up to date on their knowledge in this area and provide a resource for anyone entering a new role requiring wheelchair training.