How can an OTA become involved in leadership and advocacy?
Answer
I would recommend sending an email to the president or another leader of the organization. I had people do that quite often when I was president. An example would be, “Hi, I’m new to town, I’m thinking I want to get a little bit involved, but I don’t have much time. Can you talk to me about what the organization has that I might be able to do?" Perhaps you can offer an hour or two at a conference or be on a committee. You could help with building membership or coming up with educational resources.
I would bet that the president or somebody in leadership could help you figure out a place to start. Most of them I was able to find people a good spot. I actually just met with somebody new to town who was interested in getting involved. She ended up accepting a board position after talking with me.
Amber L. Ward, MS, OTR/L, BCPR, ATP/SMS, FAOTA
Amber Ward has been an occupational therapist for 31+ years; most recently in an outpatient clinic with progressive neuromuscular diseases and a wheelchair seating clinic. She is an adjunct professor in the OT assistant and Master’s OT programs at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences and works in the clinic full-time. She is the author of numerous articles and book chapters and speaks and presents locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Related Courses
1https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/ot-ceus/course/facilitating-client-emergency-preparedness-5488Facilitating Client Emergency PreparednessThis 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.auditory129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyOccupationalTherapy.comwww.occupationaltherapy.comFacilitating Client Emergency PreparednessThis 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.5488OnlinePT60M
AOTA/0.1 Introductory, Professional Issues, 04013; CE Broker/1.0 General (FL), Patient Related (AL), General Continuing Education (GA), Direct Client/patient Services In Occupational Therapy (SC), Related To OT (AZ), Related To OT (LA), Directly Related To OT (MS), Directly Related To OT (TN), CE Broker #20-902453; IACET/0.1; NBCOT PDUs/1.25 Beginner, Education And/or Research
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.
2https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/ot-ceus/course/supporting-clients-with-als-presentation-6912Supporting Clients With ALS: Presentation And ManagementThis course offers an update on the most current presentation, research, medications, guidelines, and management for clients with ALS. It will also offer actual client cases and management, with a focus on the complexity of needs, adaptations, and assistive technology.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyOccupationalTherapy.comwww.occupationaltherapy.comSupporting Clients With ALS: Presentation And ManagementThis course offers an update on the most current presentation, research, medications, guidelines, and management for clients with ALS. It will also offer actual client cases and management, with a focus on the complexity of needs, adaptations, and assistive technology.6912OnlinePT120M
'because it was informative and helpful'Read Reviews
AOTA/0.2 Advanced, OT Service Delivery, Foundational Knowledge, 14327; CE Broker/2.0 CE Broker #20-1342319; IACET/0.2; NBCOT PDUs/2.5 Advanced, Rehabilitation
This course offers an update on the most current presentation, research, medications, guidelines, and management for clients with ALS. It will also offer actual client cases and management, with a focus on the complexity of needs, adaptations, and assistive technology.
3https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/ot-ceus/course/supporting-clients-with-ms-presentation-6913Supporting Clients With MS: Presentation and ManagementThis course offers an update on the most current presentation, research, medications, guidelines, and management for clients with multiple sclerosis. It will also offer actual client cases and management, with a focus on the complexity of needs, adaptations, and assistive technology.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyOccupationalTherapy.comwww.occupationaltherapy.comSupporting Clients With MS: Presentation and ManagementThis course offers an update on the most current presentation, research, medications, guidelines, and management for clients with multiple sclerosis. It will also offer actual client cases and management, with a focus on the complexity of needs, adaptations, and assistive technology.6913OnlinePT120M
AOTA/0.2 Advanced, OT Service Delivery, Foundational Knowledge, 14230; CE Broker/2.0 CE Broker #20-1342948; IACET/0.2; NBCOT PDUs/2.5 Advanced, Rehabilitation
This course offers an update on the most current presentation, research, medications, guidelines, and management for clients with multiple sclerosis. It will also offer actual client cases and management, with a focus on the complexity of needs, adaptations, and assistive technology.
4https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/ot-ceus/course/supporting-clients-with-muscular-dystrophy-6914Supporting Clients with Muscular Dystrophy: Presentation and ManagementThis course offers an update on the most current presentation, research, medications, guidelines, and management for clients with MD (Duchenne/Becker, Limb-Girdle/Fascioscapulohumeral, Myotonic, Spinal Muscular Atrophy). Actual client cases and management will be offered, focusing on the complexity of needs, adaptations, and assistive technology.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyOccupationalTherapy.comwww.occupationaltherapy.comSupporting Clients with Muscular Dystrophy: Presentation and ManagementThis course offers an update on the most current presentation, research, medications, guidelines, and management for clients with MD (Duchenne/Becker, Limb-Girdle/Fascioscapulohumeral, Myotonic, Spinal Muscular Atrophy). Actual client cases and management will be offered, focusing on the complexity of needs, adaptations, and assistive technology.6914OnlinePT120M
'All the information about OT treatment on how to help patient with progressive disease to be more functional'Read Reviews
AOTA/0.2 Advanced, OT Service Delivery, Foundational Knowledge, 14236; CE Broker/2.0 CE Broker #20-1347654; IACET/0.2; NBCOT PDUs/2.5 Advanced, Rehabilitation
This course offers an update on the most current presentation, research, medications, guidelines, and management for clients with MD (Duchenne/Becker, Limb-Girdle/Fascioscapulohumeral, Myotonic, Spinal Muscular Atrophy). Actual client cases and management will be offered, focusing on the complexity of needs, adaptations, and assistive technology.
5https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/ot-ceus/course/supporting-clients-with-progressive-disorders-6915Supporting Clients With Progressive Disorders: Goal Setting, Treatment, Adaptations, Future ConsiderationsThis course provides healthcare and rehabilitation professionals with practical and evidence-based strategies for supporting clients living with progressive disorders. Participants will explore how to create therapy goals that balance current abilities with anticipated changes, ensuring client-centered care throughout illness progression.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyOccupationalTherapy.comwww.occupationaltherapy.comSupporting Clients With Progressive Disorders: Goal Setting, Treatment, Adaptations, Future ConsiderationsThis course provides healthcare and rehabilitation professionals with practical and evidence-based strategies for supporting clients living with progressive disorders. Participants will explore how to create therapy goals that balance current abilities with anticipated changes, ensuring client-centered care throughout illness progression.6915OnlinePT120M
'The evidence base Tx, examples and scenarios provided'Read Reviews
AOTA/0.2 Advanced, OT Service Delivery, Foundational Knowledge, 14351; CE Broker/2.0 CE Broker #20-1346503; IACET/0.2; NBCOT PDUs/2.5 Advanced, Rehabilitation
This course provides healthcare and rehabilitation professionals with practical and evidence-based strategies for supporting clients living with progressive disorders. Participants will explore how to create therapy goals that balance current abilities with anticipated changes, ensuring client-centered care throughout illness progression.
