The following letter was written by AOTA President, Penny Moyers Cleveland,
which promotes the value and importance of membership in both AOTA and ArizOTA.
"Change" has been the key word for our profession, and our society,
in 2009. It has produced powerful grassroots advocacy from AOTA and the state associations. Change is
not over. Much lies ahead in 2010 and we will stay on the front lines for you. The advocacy
of our professional associations is crucial. It has a direct impact on your
daily life, your daily practice, and your ability to make a good living as an
occupational therapy practitioner. It is about your job, your ethics, the best
use of your knowledge and living occupational therapy to its fullest.
Without AOTA:
- Occupational therapy would not be recognized by public and private insurance
programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, IDEA, workers' compensation, and TRICARE.
- 500 occupational therapists, assistants, and students would not have brought
the message of occupational therapy as part of the solution to health care
to Capitol Hill this past fall.
- Proposals to expand occupational therapy's role in home health would not
have been brought forward.
- Patient protections and training programs would not include occupational
therapy.
- Key occupational therapy areas of practice, like orthotics, could have been
decimated.
Without state associations:
- The occupational therapy profession would not be regulated in all 50 states,
the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Most states have licensure laws.
- Other professions could restrict occupational therapy's scope of practice.
Licensure laws assert and protect our scope of practice.
- New autism insurance coverage laws might not include occupational therapy
services.
- Cuts to Medicaid funding for school-based services and other community services
would go unchallenged.
- State health care programs might not include occupational therapy.
It is important for you to be a part of both AOTA and ArizOTA.
Being a member of both associations provides you with career protection, provides
you with a voice, and protects what you value most - the identity and authenticity
of occupational therapy and its ability to meet society's needs. Not joining
leaves the work undone, the challenges unmet, and the profession disadvantaged.
In this time when state budgets are being prepared with significant cuts to
services, when the federal government may be implementing an entire new approach
to health care reform, when many other professions are willing to say they do
what occupational therapy does, none of us can afford to be bystanders. Make
sure your voice is heard. Make sure your profession is preserved for the future.
Make sure your livelihood continues to support you and your family. If you are
not a member of both AOTA and ArizOTA, it is never too late to join. Don't stay
on the sidelines. The challenges and struggles will continue. Occupational therapy's
success depends on your participation.
Say yes. Be involved. Make a difference. Thank you
for your support.
Your National and State Leaders,
Penelope Moyers Cleveland, EdD, OTR/L, BCMH, FAOTA, AOTA President
Florence Clark, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, AOTA President-Elect
Kendra Bauman, OTR/L ArizOTA President
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