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The occupational therapy profession faces critical workforce shortages, and the demand for services to meet the needs of diverse communities continues to rise. Underdocumented individuals represent a diverse pool of potential practitioners who face barriers to licensure if they pursue a career in occupational therapy. Despite being eligible for occupational therapy education and the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam, inconsistent state licensure requirements, which often mandate a Social Security number (SSN), pose a significant barrier to licensure and employment. We examine the challenges underdocumented individuals encounter in pursuing occupational therapy education and careers and argue for removing such barriers to enable them to become licensed practitioners. Addressing these barriers could diversify the workforce, enhance access to culturally responsive care, and alleviate shortages in underserved areas. We propose six actionable steps for the profession: (1) investigating and clarifying state licensure requirements; (2) ensuring accurate information dissemination to the public and students; (3) advocating for inclusive licensure policies, such as accepting Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers instead of SSNs; (4) addressing inconsistencies in reciprocity agreements across states; (5) funding research to better understand workforce demographics and needs; and (6) advocating for increased tuition equity and scholarship opportunities. By fostering an inclusive pathway to licensure and embracing diversity in cultural backgrounds, languages, and life experiences, the occupational therapy profession can become a meaningful career option for underdocumented individuals who can contribute to the development of a more resilient and representative workforce to effectively serve diverse populations and address health disparities.
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The widespread integration of technology into children’s lives poses significant challenges for parents aiming to promote healthy technology use. This systematic review synthesized findings from twelve studies to explore effective parenting strategies and interventions. Results indicate that authoritative parenting, characterized by high responsiveness and control, and active mediation, involving open communication and collaborative rule-setting, are most effective in managing children’s technology use. Parental digital literacy emerged as a crucial factor in successfully implementing these strategies. Interventions like the “Game Over” and “Movie Models” programs showed potential but require further refinement. The review underscores the importance of co-using technology with children, modeling healthy technology habits, and employing available tools for monitoring and limiting screen time. Future research should focus on developing standardized diagnostic criteria for problematic technology use, empirically tracking screen time, and exploring the role of schools in promoting healthy technology use. Consistent definitions and comprehensive strategies are essential for addressing the evolving digital landscape. © 2025 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.