Occupational therapists consider community-centered practices such as community development
essential practice domains. In some parts of the world, community development is strongly embedded
in occupational therapy practice, while in other places this approach is emerging and need strengthening.
This chapter outlines the synergy between occupational therapy, community development, sustainable

development, and critical citizenship. In doing so, it will consider the profession’s understanding of the
value of an occupational perspective in critically addressing community issues and aiming for sustainable
development. A module to prepare occupational therapy students for their potential role in community
development processes is associated with case studies from three different continents. These examples
give a rich image of community development approaches within occupational therapy practice.