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Leadership and Advocacy for the OTA

Leadership and Advocacy for the OTA
Amber L. Ward, MS, OTR/L, BCPR, ATP/SMS
May 16, 2016
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Definitions

I wanted to start with some definitions of leadership and advocacy.

Leadership

Leadership is the action of leading a group of people or an organization. We, as occupational therapy practitioners, whether an OTA or an OT, lead people all the time. We lead our patients, we lead our family members, we lead groups. We may offer a suggestion in a work situation or be a lead occupational therapy assistant at work. We do it all the time, without even realizing it. It may not be formal and that is okay. This presentation will talk about some formal opportunities for leadership as well as informal opportunities.

I liked this quote that "leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others." I think that is how we lead on an every day basis with our patients, our clients, and our families. We give them control and power back.

Advocacy

Advocacy is public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy. I do this all the time and assume most of you do as well. We advocate for our patient and clients. We get them the therapy and equipment they need. We might also do this in our community. For example, we may say we want our children’s daycare to have a certain program or a certain kind of food. We advocate for our families. We advocate in many different ways. We are going to talk a little bit more about some formal advocacy in this presentation. There are definitely a number of options.

Qualities of an Effective Leader

Do you think that you have the qualities to be an effective leader? If not, how can you foster these qualities? These qualities are listed below.

Do What You Say

Do what you say you are going to do. Be trustworthy. If you tell a client that you are going to get him a 3-in-1 commode, get him one. Be the kind of person that gets things done. You also need to be a good communicator. Let people know the expectations that you have of them as well as what they can expect of you. Be respectful of clients and families, no matter what is going on. I have worked with some folks who have said, “Sure, that’s no problem, I can get you that.” without even checking with their insurance. 


amber l ward

Amber L. Ward, MS, OTR/L, BCPR, ATP/SMS

Amber Ward has been a treating occupational therapist for 20 years; 10 years in inpatient rehabilitation, and 10 years as full time Occupational Therapy Coordinator with persons with ALS, muscular dystrophies, MS, Parkinson's, and other neurological disorders. She has treated a wide variety of patients, of all ages and functional levels. She currently is an adjunct professor at the OTA program at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences in addition to working in the clinic. She received the RESNA Assistive Technology Professional certification in 2004, a Seating and Mobility Specialist in 2013 and became AOTA board certified in physical rehabilitation in 2010. She is the author of an article about power wheelchairs with persons with ALS published in Assistive Technology in 2015, and numerous other book chapters and articles. She presents locally, nationally and internationally about ALS, power wheelchairs, research and neurodegenerative diseases. 
 



Related Courses

Facilitating Client Emergency Preparedness
Presented by Amber L. Ward, MS, OTR/L, BCPR, ATP/SMS, FAOTA
Audio
Course: #5488Level: Introductory1 Hour
This course will offer options, materials, information, and education about how to facilitate emergency preparedness in clients and caregivers and how to potentially help keep clients safer. We will discuss our roles for various emergencies, including in the home, in the community, large-scale emergencies, and natural disasters; resources will be shared both for OT professionals and to share with clients/caregivers.

Understanding and Managing Common Muscular Dystrophies
Presented by Amber L. Ward, MS, OTR/L, BCPR, ATP/SMS
Video
Course: #5342Level: Introductory2 Hours
The genetic diseases under the muscular dystrophy umbrella all present very differently and have their own unique needs and challenges for the OT practitioner. This course explores the symptoms and causes of the conditions, current research, resources, and interventions to enhance occupational engagement in the most common types.

Disability Inclusion: What Healthcare Providers Need To Know
Presented by Kathryn Sorensen, OTD, OTR/L, ADAC
Video
Course: #5632Level: Introductory1 Hour
As a person with a disability and an occupational therapist, I have a unique perspective of living in two worlds. In this course, I will share my personal experience and things I wish healthcare providers knew and understood about living with a disability.

Writing IEP Goals
Presented by Kim Wiggins, OTR/L
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Course: #4100Level: Intermediate1 Hour
Goal writing can be time consuming and difficult to complete for therapists. This webinar will teach you a step by step process how to write functional goals for students in the school setting.

Strategies for Creating a Culturally-Inclusive Mindset
Presented by Esther Clervaud, EdS
Video
Course: #9478Level: Introductory1 Hour
Since America is growing more diverse, cultural awareness has become more vital for day-to-day success. Discover four strategies that will help you develop a mindset that will facilitate a culturally-sensitive environment both personally and professionally, regardless of your work setting.

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