OCCP2102: Semester 1, 2025

Overview

In this unit of study, "home" and "community" occupations and performance needs are described from different perspectives. The effects of reduced physical, cognitive and psychosocial and environmental constraints on occupational performance within the home and community are examined. Occupational therapy assessment of the accessibility of home and public environments, and the development of culturally appropriate interventions, including the use of appropriate assistive devices/technology are investigated. Specifically, students will examine: Instrumental Activities of Daily (IADL) (definitions, inclusions and assessment); community and home environments (how are they defined, use, impact on occupational performance); legislative and regulatory considerations which impact plans for modifying home and community environments; concepts of universal design; and access standards. Students will develop required competence in: assessment of and prescription for basic home modifications; professional reasoning and report writing skills required by funding and legal agencies associated with home modification and resource plans; assessment and related aspects of transport (public transport, assisted transport and driving); assistive technology and devices appropriate for home and community contexts; the role of carer associated with home and community occupations. This unit will include learning activities that will contribute to practice education hours.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Participation Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	(OCCP1103 and OCCP2090) or (OCCP1096 and OCCP1099)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	OCCP2087
Assumed knowledge ?	OCCP1101 and OCCP1102 and OCCP1104 and OCCP1105
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Celine Serrano-Diaz, celine.serranodiaz@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s)	Alena Haines, alena.haines@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Celine Serrano-Diaz, celine.serranodiaz@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Bronwyn Simpson Simpson, bronwyn.simpson@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Participation	SONIA timesheet Practical activities for home mods portfolio must be logged in SONIA	0%	Formal exam period Due date: 15 Jun 2025 at 23:59	20 hours of practice education
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Home modification portfolio Portfolio: 1. Client report 2. Diagrams	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 15 Jun 2025 at 23:59	1000 words (+/- 10%)
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Tutorial attendance Due to the practical nature of tutorials, attendance will be monitored	0%	Multiple weeks	Minimum attendance: 10 out of 13
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Home modifications test MCQ and short answer test on home modification content	10%	Please select a valid week from the list below Due date: 27 May 2025 at 13:00	30mins.
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	In-class quiz #EFT Early Feedback Task: Canvas quiz	10%	Week 03 Due date: 11 Mar 2025 at 13:00	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Oral test ?	Community client plan Oral test to describe the OT process for the provided case study.	40%	Week 07 Due date: 08 Apr 2025 at 18:00	15 minutes (oral)
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = AI allowed ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Tutorial attendance: Tutorial learning activities have been designed to enable students to engage in the practical application of content presented in the morning lecture. Attendance will be recorded for each tutorial to ensure that all students attend a minimum 10 out of the 13 tutorials. Students must submit a special consideration application if they do not meet this attendance requirement.
#EFT In-class quiz: Students will complete an early feedback task, a 15-minute Canvas quiz during the week 3 lecture. This quiz will focus on the lecture and tutorial content presented in the first 2 weeks of the semester.
Oral exam: Students will plan and summarise the occupational therapy process for a fictional client (written and video lived experience narrative provided). This will include goal-setting, selection of assessments and interventions. This task will assess understanding and application of content delivered in module 1 (Weeks 1-7).
In-semester test on home modifications: Students will complete a 30 minute in-class test during the week 13 lecture. This test will involve multiple choice and short answer questions assessing understanding and application of content delivered in module 2 (weeks 8-12).
Home modification portfolio: Students will further demonstrate learning for module 2 (weeks 8-13) by measuring and evaluating a home environment and proposing relevant modifications for a fictional client in a report and drawings. Drafts and working diagrams for the portfolio should be brought to your tutor for review and comment throughout the semester.
SONIA timesheet: Students must summarise their practice education activities in Sonia. This should accurately reflect all practical activities associated with the home modification portfolio assessment e.g. measuring and drawing home modifications. Attendance records may be taken, and audits and verifications of hours entered in timesheets will be conducted. Falsely declaring information on attendance records or timesheets is unprofessional behaviour and may represent serious misconduct.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction (HD)	85-100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction (DI)	75-84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit (CR)	65-74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass (PS)	50-64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail (FA)	0-49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded. https://www.sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2012/267&RendNum=0

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Module 1: The person-environment-occupation fit in the home and community	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Tutorials will focus on practical application of that same week's lecture topic/s	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Occupational therapy in the community setting	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	As above	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Instrumental activities of daily living, Early Feedback Task (online quiz to be done in class)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	As above	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Mobility in the community	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	As above	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Transport access and travel training	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	As above	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Driving and vehicle modifications	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	As above	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Online lecture: AT for home/community occupations. Lecture time will be used for in-class oral test	Independent study (2 hr)
Week 07	In-class oral test, see Canvas for details	Individual study (1 hr)
Week 08	Module 2: The OT role in environmental modification	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	As above	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Universal design and client specifications	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	As above	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Legislative requirements and conceptual drawing	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	As above	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Bathroom design considerations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	As above	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Access design and considerations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	As above	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Home, community and the OT practice context, In-semester test on home modifications	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	As above	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to have 80% tutorial attendance (see details under assessments). Please notify your tutor via e-mail if you are going to be absent.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit will be detailed on the Canvas site, including the use of the Australian Standards on access (AS 1428.1) via the USYD Library.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Describe and analyse occupations performed in the home and community, and describe the contribution of these occupations to participation and well-being, and identify ways in which these occupations may be impacted by lifelong, chronic and complex conditions.
LO2. Assess the needs and capacities of people living with lifelong, chronic and complex conditions with regard to meaningful participation and home and community occupations.
LO3. Select, plan and deliver (with supervision) evidence-based interventions to increase occupational performance by adapting tasks, changing environments, enabling skill mastery, and collaborating with other stakeholders including family members, other disciplines and organisations.
LO4. Understand how family members and carers can meet their own occupational needs and support the needs of people they care for (representing the diversity of potential family situations).
LO5. Demonstrate a working knowledge of legal and ethical guidelines that govern care for people with disabilities living at home and participating in the community.
LO6. Demonstrate a working knowledge of technical drawing skills and modification design articulating clinical reasoning and in consideration of required legislation.
LO7. Demonstrate critical thinking about the influence of a variety of geographic and economic contexts on home and community participation, and ways occupational therapy programs may be informed by these contexts.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.11. Maintains professional competence and adapts to change in practice contexts 1.7. Collaborates and consults ethically and responsibly for effective client-centred and interprofessional practice 2.1. Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice 2.2. Applies theory and frameworks of occupation to professional practice and decision-making 3.1. Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement 4.9. Uses effective communication skills to initiate and end relationships with clients and relevant others
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.10. Practises within limits of her/his own level of competence and expertise 1.17. Recognises and manages any inherent power imbalance in relationships with clients. 1.7. Collaborates and consults ethically and responsibly for effective client-centred and interprofessional practice 2.1. Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice 2.2. Applies theory and frameworks of occupation to professional practice and decision-making 2.4. Understands and responds to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health philosophies, leadership, research and practices 2.8. Reflects on practice to inform current and future reasoning and decision-making and the integration of theory and evidence into practice 3.1. Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement 3.12. Uses effective collaborative, multidisciplinary and interprofessional approaches for decision-making and planning 3.2. Performs appropriate information gathering and assessment when identifying a client’s status and functioning, strengths, occupational performance and goals 3.3. Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals 3.7. Reflects on practice to inform and communicate professional reasoning and decision-making 3.8. Identifies and uses practice guidelines and protocols suitable to the practice setting or work environment 4.11. Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others. 4.7. Obtains informed consent for practice and information-sharing from the client or legal guardian
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.10. Practises within limits of her/his own level of competence and expertise 1.11. Maintains professional competence and adapts to change in practice contexts 1.7. Collaborates and consults ethically and responsibly for effective client-centred and interprofessional practice 2.10. Maintains digital literacy for practice. 2.3. Identifies and applies best available evidence in professional practice and decision-making 2.9. Maintains knowledge of relevant resources and technologies, and 3.1. Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement 3.10. Reviews, evaluates and modifies plans, goals and interventions with the client and relevant others to enhance or achieve client outcomes 3.11. Evaluates client and service outcomes to inform future practice 3.13. Uses appropriate assistive technology, devices and/or environmental modifications to achieve client occupational performance outcomes, and 3.2. Performs appropriate information gathering and assessment when identifying a client’s status and functioning, strengths, occupational performance and goals 3.3. Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals 3.4. Develops a plan with the client and relevant others to meet identified occupational therapy goals 3.7. Reflects on practice to inform and communicate professional reasoning and decision-making 3.8. Identifies and uses practice guidelines and protocols suitable to the practice setting or work environment
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.17. Recognises and manages any inherent power imbalance in relationships with clients. 1.4. Recognises and manages conflicts of interest in all client and professional relationships 1.5. Practises in a culturally responsive and culturally safe manner, with particular respect to culturally diverse client groups 1.6. Incorporates and responds to historical, political, cultural, societal, environmental and economic factors influencing health, wellbeing and occupations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 1.7. Collaborates and consults ethically and responsibly for effective client-centred and interprofessional practice 1.9. Identifies and manages the influence of her/his values and culture on practice 2.5. Maintains current knowledge for cultural responsiveness to all groups in the practice setting 3.3. Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals 3.4. Develops a plan with the client and relevant others to meet identified occupational therapy goals 3.5. Selects and implements culturally responsive and safe practice strategies to suit the occupational therapy goals and environment of the client 3.6. Seeks to understand and incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ experiences of health, wellbeing and occupations encompassing cultural connections 4.1. Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively 4.10. Seeks and responds to feedback, modifying communication and/or practice accordingly, and 4.3. Works ethically with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations to understand and incorporate relevant cultural protocols and communication strategies, with the aim of working to support self-governance in communities 4.4. Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies 4.7. Obtains informed consent for practice and information-sharing from the client or legal guardian 4.8. Maintains collaborative professional relationships with clients, health professionals and relevant others 4.9. Uses effective communication skills to initiate and end relationships with clients and relevant others
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.11. Maintains professional competence and adapts to change in practice contexts 1.14. Recognises and manages her/his own physical and mental health for safe, professional practice 1.2. Adheres to legislation relevant to practice 1.3. Maintains professional boundaries in all client and professional relationships 1.7. Collaborates and consults ethically and responsibly for effective client-centred and interprofessional practice 1.8. Adheres to all work health and safety, and quality requirements for practice 2.10. Maintains digital literacy for practice. 2.8. Reflects on practice to inform current and future reasoning and decision-making and the integration of theory and evidence into practice 2.9. Maintains knowledge of relevant resources and technologies, and 4.5. Complies with legal and procedural requirements for the responsible and accurate documentation, sharing and storage of professional information and records of practice 4.6. Maintains contemporaneous, accurate and complete records of practice 4.7. Obtains informed consent for practice and information-sharing from the client or legal guardian
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.1. Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct 1.10. Practises within limits of her/his own level of competence and expertise 1.11. Maintains professional competence and adapts to change in practice contexts 1.12. Identifies and uses relevant professional and operational support and supervision 1.13. Manages resources, time and workload accountably and effectively 1.2. Adheres to legislation relevant to practice 1.8. Adheres to all work health and safety, and quality requirements for practice 2.10. Maintains digital literacy for practice. 2.3. Identifies and applies best available evidence in professional practice and decision-making 2.6. Maintains and improves currency of knowledge, skills and new evidence for practice by adhering to the requirements for continuing professional development 2.7. Implements a specific learning and development plan when moving to a new area of practice or returning to practice 2.8. Reflects on practice to inform current and future reasoning and decision-making and the integration of theory and evidence into practice 2.9. Maintains knowledge of relevant resources and technologies, and 3.13. Uses appropriate assistive technology, devices and/or environmental modifications to achieve client occupational performance outcomes, and 3.7. Reflects on practice to inform and communicate professional reasoning and decision-making 3.8. Identifies and uses practice guidelines and protocols suitable to the practice setting or work environment 4.5. Complies with legal and procedural requirements for the responsible and accurate documentation, sharing and storage of professional information and records of practice 4.6. Maintains contemporaneous, accurate and complete records of practice 4.7. Obtains informed consent for practice and information-sharing from the client or legal guardian
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.15. Addresses issues of occupational justice in practice 1.17. Recognises and manages any inherent power imbalance in relationships with clients. 1.5. Practises in a culturally responsive and culturally safe manner, with particular respect to culturally diverse client groups 1.6. Incorporates and responds to historical, political, cultural, societal, environmental and economic factors influencing health, wellbeing and occupations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 1.9. Identifies and manages the influence of her/his values and culture on practice 2.4. Understands and responds to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health philosophies, leadership, research and practices 2.5. Maintains current knowledge for cultural responsiveness to all groups in the practice setting 3.1. Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement 3.5. Selects and implements culturally responsive and safe practice strategies to suit the occupational therapy goals and environment of the client 3.6. Seeks to understand and incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ experiences of health, wellbeing and occupations encompassing cultural connections 3.8. Identifies and uses practice guidelines and protocols suitable to the practice setting or work environment 4.2. Adapts written, verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the client and practice context 4.3. Works ethically with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations to understand and incorporate relevant cultural protocols and communication strategies, with the aim of working to support self-governance in communities 4.4. Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

In response to 2024 student feedback, we have made the following changes: 1. Reduced weighting and length for the home modification portfolio assignment 2. Introduced an in-semester test to obtain assurance of learning for home modification fundamental knowledge. 3. Will release assignment information earlier and allow opportunities for questions and clarification.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Students must be verified to have full compliance with all pre-placement checks and requirements. This will allow students to participate and log practice education hours (20 embedded hours for OCCP2102).

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

This unit of study outline was last modified on 11 Mar 2025.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

OCCP2102: Home and Community Occupations

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

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