Working as an OT in Inclusive Design:
Conversation with Francisco Lasta
Listen to our conversation on youtube
Listen on podbean
Francisco is an Occupational Therapist working in the field of Inclusive Design within an architectural firm. Originally from the Phillipines where he trained and worked, Francisco has since moved to the USA to continue his career. He has worked in a number of OT roles including as an OT instructor in a university, with children with autism and with older people. I really enjoyed chatting with Francisco about his OT history and his current role, and his inspiring passion that has opened so many unique doors to him.
Francisco has always had an interest in technology and design, and his passion for this is clear in the interview. He became fascinated with User Experience and how learning about the digital aspects of this can be applied to OT. For him there is a natural parallel between User Experience, OT and architecture.
We talked about what it is like to work in a non traditional OT setting. For Francisco it has always been important to him to build a network of like minded people, including outside of the clinical bubble. An important step for him to enter this role was learning the language of the architectural industry, to allow him to communicate well and explain the value of OT. The job opening came up through a contact, and initially he was involved with marketing. This led to other responsibilities such as designing the firms intranet, maintaining and improving the website, and helping to prepare project proposals. Having this flexible, curious, open approach to the role helped to open doors and allowed him to understand the fuller picture of what is involved with inclusive design projects.
Initially Francisco found that some of his architect colleagues weren’t as informed or enthusiastic about inclusive design as he assumed they would be. This led to him initiating a series of presentations to explain the importance of this. In turn, this led to him volunteering to design the firms Inclusive Design Guidelines. He now helps to review designs and make suggestions to improve inclusivity.
Working as the only OT in the firm can be isolating and Francisco would love for more OTs to work in this field, to share ideas and experiences. He tried looking for a mentor but when he couldn’t find one he took the jump anyway, fuelled by his passion for inclusive design.
The spaces that Francisco helps to design include transportation spaces, bridges, parks, museums, industrial spaces and educational facilities. He considers the needs of diverse groups of people, including those with physical and hidden disabilities, and how their ability to engage with occupations may be affected by the environment. He then finds ways to communicate this to designers and clients to emphasise the importance of this.
Keen to grow the numbers of OTs working in inclusive design, Francisco also takes on OT students on placements. His firm has signed contracts with two universities to continue this relationship.
Francisco advises OTs who are interested in a non traditional role to know themselves and follow their passions. He is excited by the opportunities that have opened up to him through this approach. Watch our conversation in the above link to hear more.
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