AOTA’S CENTENNIAL AOTA’S CENTENNIAL VISIONVISION

Shaping the Future of Shaping the Future of

Occupational TherapyOccupational Therapy

Some of the slides for this presentation were developed by

both Carolyn Baum and Charles Christiansen and are used

with permission

Planning for 2017: The Long and Winding Road*

2006-2017Strategic

Implementation

2006Planning &

Communication

2005ExtensiveNational Dialogue

2004ScenariosDeveloped

2003Board Approves

Plan

*Credit: The Beatles, 1970

2006Strategic

Directions Retreat

Our Goals for the Centennial Visioning Process• To articulate a shared vision of the

occupational therapy profession

• To set strategic directions that will guide the work of the association and its members

• To deepen our personal resolve to shape our common future

Centennial Vision Statement“We envision that occupational therapy is a powerful, widely recognized, science-driven, and evidence-based profession with a globally connected and diverse workforce meeting society’s occupational needs.”

“There are no facts about the future, only possibilities. These

possibilities arise from our knowledge of trends, from our

experiences, and from our imagination about how the world

could be. Our vision of these possibilities helps us create the

future we want.”

Charles ChristiansenAOTA Vice President

2003-2006

Eight Broad Imperatives for OT• We must expand collaboration to achieve

success

• We must have the power to influence

• Membership in AOTA must be seen as a professional responsibility

• We must have a well-prepared, diverse workforce

Eight Broad Imperatives for OT

• OT must have a clear, compelling public image

• We must deliver services that create customer demand

• Our decisions in practice, education, and research must be based on evidence

• We must embrace science-fostered innovation in occupational therapy practice

Strategic Directions• Building the capacity to fulfill the profession’s potential and mission – Ensuring an adequate and diverse workforce for multiple roles

– Preparing OTs and OTAs for the 21st century

– Increasing research capacity and productivity

– Strengthening our capacity to influence and lead

Strategic Directions• Demonstrating and articulating our value to individuals, organizations, and communities-Meeting societal needs for health and

well-being -People understanding who we are and what

we do

• Building an inclusive community of members

• Linking education, research, and practice

“Those who founded our profession had a vision: that occupational therapy would study and use occupation as it influences health and would educate people about its value. Many, many advances are making our founders’ vision a reality. As we get closer to the actual Centennial celebration, it is a time for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to seize the opportunities of those changes in the health care system that place value on health and participation. We must use our knowledge and skills to be very visible with our contributions, which improve the quality of the lives of those we serve.” Carolyn Baum, President, 2004-2007

Broad Areas of Practice to Organize Our Work

Productive Aging

Rehabilitation, Disability, and Participation

Children and Youth (Pediatrics)

Work and Industry

Health and Wellness

Mental Health

Today’s Emerging Areas of Occupational Therapy Practice

• Ergonomics consulting • Design and accessibility consulting

and home modification • Older driver assessment and training • Consulting to assisted-living facilities • Technology and assistive-device

development and consulting

Today’s Emerging Areas of Occupational Therapy Practice

• Health and wellness consulting

• Low-vision rehabilitation

• Addressing Alzheimer's disease and caregiver training

• Addressing the needs of children and youth

• Community services

Are We Ready?

• Do we have the right knowledge and skills for new initiatives?

• Do we need advanced practice in areas that support participation?

• Are practitioners in the right places where they will produce results?

• Have we maximized the opportunities for both OTs and OTAs?

We Need To…• Move forward knowing that society has

needs we can meet

• Seek knowledge to enhance our skills for new markets

• Not let other professionals make claims of our knowledge and services

• Form collaborations through professional organizations

We Need To…

• Make our contributions visible through volunteer work in our communities

• Advocate for those who have needs where our knowledge can address issues or remove barriers

• Seek mentors and mentor others to support both your and their continued growth

We Need To…

• Promote greater public understanding of occupational therapy

• Heighten the importance of occupational therapy with public and private sector policymakers

• Recruit students to the profession» From Baum Presidential Address, 2004

We Need To…

• Promote the application of evidence-based knowledge in practice

• Support practitioners in existing and emerging practice settings with continuing education

• Advocate for training and research funds

• Support the development of knowledge to advance the profession

» From Baum Presidential Address, 2004

Priorities as We Begin Our Journey

• Build a cutting-edge research agenda for the profession

• Develop a model curriculum for OT and OTA educational programs to raise the bar of excellence and to foster greater consistency across curriculum

Priorities as We Begin Our Journey

• Assure that OT language is compatible with terminology used in public policy, reimbursement, and research arenas (e.g., alignment with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and with National Library of Medicine MESH headings)

Priorities as We Begin Our Journey

• Develop a major image-building campaign to more effectively explain OT to the public

• Develop a universal, computerized outcomes data set

Priorities as We Begin Our Journey

• Engage in broad-based advocacy to ensure funding for OT in traditional and emerging areas

• Facilitate stronger linkages between research, education, and practice to enable effective communication

"Our Centennial Vision creates the opportunity for the occupational therapy profession to enter its golden age. I love the boldness of the vision, the fact that it emerged from a real partnership of stakeholders, and that it will fortify the profession for the future world we are likely to encounter. Now we must embrace the vision, each in our own way, so that its realization preserves and embodies what is most important to each one of us."

Florence ClarkAOTA Vice President, 2006-2009