Gateway to wellness: an occupational therapy collaboration with the national multiple sclerosis society.

SUMMARY Occupational therapy is well equipped to build wellness for people with disabilities, particularly when partnering with community agencies or organizations. This article describes the collaborative relationship with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for the development of Gateway to Wellness, A Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. Using the metaphor of a journey, issues relating to the collaborative relationship include language and power, paths and directions, the model design and evaluation, and negotiating expansion. The authors conclude with a summary of recommendations for positive partnering between occupational therapy and organizations that serve persons with disabling conditions.