The Association of Bulgarian Ergotherapists (ABET) achieved several significant milestones over the past year, reaffirming its commitment to advancing the occupational therapy profession in Bulgaria.
Adoption of a Code of Ethics for Occupational Therapists
At its 2024 General Assembly, ABET officially adopted a Code of Ethics for Occupational Therapists in Bulgaria. This foundational document sets forth the ethical standards and professional responsibilities for occupational therapists across the country, reflecting ABET’s dedication to integrity, compassion, and professional accountability.
The Code is based on internationally recognized ethical principles, as outlined in the WFOT Guiding Principles for Ethical Occupational Therapy (2024). These include beneficence (promoting well-being), nonmaleficence (minimizing harm), autonomy (respecting individual rights), and justice (ensuring equitable care). It emphasizes core values such as occupation-centered practice, quality of service, human rights and occupational justice, respect for diversity, collaboration, integrity, confidentiality, and lifelong learning.
Prior to its adoption, the Code was shared with the wider membership for input to ensure it reflects the collective perspective of the profession.
Establishment of a Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy
A landmark achievement this year was the approval of a doctoral program in Occupational Therapy at the University of Ruse, accredited by the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA). This program is a crucial step toward ensuring the sustainability of academic education in occupational therapy in Bulgaria. It also opens new avenues for research, innovation, and professional development, further integrating Bulgaria into the global occupational therapy community.
Growth and Collaboration Among Practicing Occupational Therapists
While the number of practicing occupational therapists in Bulgaria remains relatively small, the profession is gradually gaining strength – especially in pediatric care. This growth is largely driven by increasing demand from families of children with disabilities, leading to the establishment of numerous private pediatric occupational therapy services.
In response to this need, a community of practice has emerged in Sofia, bringing together ten occupational therapists working in pediatric settings. Their first meeting, held in an informal and welcoming environment, fostered collaboration, peer support, and the exchange of best practices. This initiative has laid the groundwork for future cooperation and serves as a model for forming similar communities in other regions.
Celebrating World Occupational Therapy Day
On October 27, 2024, ABET participated in the World Occupational Therapy Day celebrations by posting a short film on its Facebook page. The video compiled clips showcasing diverse occupational therapy practices from across the country. Additionally, a word cloud was created using values shared by ABET members. As in previous years, many members also marked the occasion by displaying the World OT Day logo on their social media profiles.
Looking Ahead
These accomplishments underscore ABET’s unwavering commitment to ethical practice, academic excellence, and the professional advancement of occupational therapy in Bulgaria and beyond. Through these initiatives, ABET continues to empower occupational therapists to provide high-quality, client-centered care and to foster a dynamic, collaborative professional community.