Helen Primrose LeVesconte: occupational therapy clinician, educator, and maker of history.
BACKGROUND
The Canadian history of our profession is not well known and our identity is thought to suffer as a result. Helen Primrose LeVesconte (7896-1982) is one pioneer in our development whose story has not been told.


OBJECTIVE
Our purpose is to explore LeVesconte's life and work in order to expand knowledge of our roots and thereby strengthen our identity.


METHODS
Using interpretive biography methods we draw on LeVesconte's own writings, articles written about her, and archival documents to describe turning point moments in her life and to display meaningful patterns in her work.


RESULTS
LeVesconte's work as a clinician and her role and reputation as an educator, show her to have been a strong and visionary leader. Her views on the client's role, the importance of the therapist-client relationship, prevention, community-based programs, and vocational rehabilitation are of particular interest.


CONCLUSIONS
Because LeVesconte educated over 1,850 students while director of the occupational therapy program at the University of Toronto, her influence has been felt throughout the country. Her perspective is compared to current practice; and questions are raised as to aspects of her legacy and philosophy that might now be reconsidered.
Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. judith.friedland@utoronto.ca
Judith
J
Friedland
Hadassah
H
Rais
D002170:Canada; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000193:education* / Q000266:history