Date
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Event
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| July 13, 2022
|
First webinar on occupational therapy and gun violence
|
June 24, 2022
|
First Academic Symposium
|
| May 21, 2022
|
First Annual Acute Care Symposium
|
| May 2022
|
DEI Training for OTAC Leadership
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| October 2021
|
Susan J. Harris Legacy Fund Scholarship announced
|
| October 21-24, 2021
|
OTAC Annual Virtual Conference: Resilient, Renewed, Rising
|
| March 5-7, 2021
|
Virtual Western Regional Occupational Therapy Spring Symposium
|
| January 12, 2021
|
OTAC published an Official Statement on the US Capital Riots
|
| October 8-11, 2020
|
First Virtual Annual OTAC Conference due to Covid-19 Pandemic
|
| September 2020
|
Formation of the Diversity Equality and Inclusion Committee
|
| August 8, 2020
|
Ivan Altamura, OTAC lobbyist, died suddenly in his home. He was a strong advocate for the profession of occupational therapy and inspired many practitioners and students to advocate for OT services.
|
| July 1, 2020
|
Bryant Edwards elected President (2020-2024)
|
| June 27, 2020
|
OTAC Board adopted new Core Value of Inclusive Community
|
| June 1, 2020
|
AOTA and OTAC publish statement against Systemic Racism in our country
|
| April 2020
|
Melissa Szamet, OTAC President 2002-2004 passed.
|
| March 11, 2020
|
World Health Organization declares COVID-19 a pandemic
|
| March 7-8, 2020
|
First Western Regional Conference. Frank Kronenberg & Michael Iwama keynote speakers
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| January 20, 2020
|
Susan Jane Pool Harris died. She received the Entrepreneurship of the Year Award in 2007, Distinguished Alumna Award from SJSU, 2018 OTAC Lifetime Achievement Award.
|
| September 2018
|
First School-based Symposium
|
Spring 2018
|
First Mental Health Symposium
|
| 2016
|
- OTAC celebrates OT’s Centennial with float in 2017 Rose Parade.
- OTAC Membership 2,777.
- Heather Kitching elected President.
|
| 2015
|
Scope of Practice reviewed and input provided to CBOT. Subcommittee formed to pursue credentialing for School-Based OT. OTAC facilitates first joint OT & OTA Program Director’s Meeting.
|
| 2014
|
OTAC focuses on OT’s role in Mental Health, Autism, & Telehealth. Collaboration with neighboring OT state associations grows.
|
| 2012
|
- Legislative Receptions held locally in Regions. Advocacy continues at state level.
- Pat Nagaishi President (2012-2016)
|
| 2010
|
- SB189 & SB821 signed into law mandating licensure for OTAs in California.
- OTAC Committees restructured.
- Public Service Announcement released.
- Member benefit myOTlicense introduced
|
| 2009
|
- OTAC holds first Advocacy Day at Annual Conference.
- Presence on social media begins including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & Twitter.
- Online continuing education offered.
|
| 2008
|
- Karen Polastri hired as OTAC Executive Director. New logo, website and online newsletter created.
- OTAC Board adopts AOTA Centennial Vision Statement.
- Five year Strategic Plan developed.
- Shawn Phipps President (2008-2012)
|
| 2007
|
- Chuck Strauch retires after 22 years as OTAC Executive Director.
- OTAC contracts with Association Resource Center & relocates office.
|
| 2006
|
- First OTAC Spring Fling No Frills Conference held (now named Spring Symposium).
- Richard Bookwalter President (2006-2008)
|
| 2004
|
- Ad Hoc Reorganization Committee formed.
- OTAC restructures from 15 Chapters to 5 Regions.
- Christine Wietlisbach President (2004-2006)
|
| 2002
|
- OTAC moves to new office.
- OTs begin to receive licenses.
- Melissa Szamet President (2002-2004)
|
| 2000
|
- SB1046 signed into law mandating licensure for OTs in California.
- CBOT established with counsel from OTAC.
- Diane Josephs President (2000-2002)
|
| 1998
|
- Lobbyist hired, senator authored licensure bill, SB1287 defeated.
- Board adopts Vision Statement.
- Luella Grangaard President (1998-2000)
|
| 1996
|
- First student serves on Board. OTAC publishes OT Aide Training Manual.
- Susan Smiley President (1996-1998)
|
1995
|
- OTAC holds first Sacramento Day to promote licensure.
- OTAC is invited to attend a reception for President Bill Clinton.
|
| 1994
|
- Board passes budget for first time.
- Linda Reed President (1994-1996)
|
| 1992
|
- Revised Scope of Practice adopted.
- Broadened Trademark Law AB1852 signed.
- Brenda Collins President (1992-1994)
|
| 1991
|
- The Great Grassroots Campaign was developed to connect key legislators with OTs on health care issues.
- Negotiated with PT Association to pave way for licensure.
|
| 1990
|
- Long Range Plan revised stating OTAC will be a viable organization meeting member needs.
- Janet Jabri President (1990-1992)
|
| 1988
|
- OT Scope of Practice as defined by the Licensure Task Force adopted by OTAC Board of Directors.
- Ardith Breton President (1988-1990)
|
| 1986
|
- Chuck Strauch hired as OTAC’s first full-time Executive Director & Lobbyist.
- OTAC Office moves two blocks from Capitol.
|
| 1984
|
- OT Scope of Practice SB103 defeated.
- OTAC President–Elect position created.
- Diane Hendricks President (1984-1988)
|
| 1980
|
- Doug Fowler becomes first OTAC Executive Director.
- AB1145 combining licensure & continuing education dropped.
- Mary Evert President (1980-1984)
|
| 1979
|
OTAC establishes office in Sacramento, the first professional office address for any OT Association in the U.S.
|
| 1978
|
- OTAC contracts with AK Associates to provide management services.
- Doris Cutting President (1978-1980)
|
| 1977
|
- First OTAC Long Range Plan developed to include increasing understanding of OT and improving quality of practice.
- Trademark Law passed to protect the title of Occupational Therapy.
|
| 1976
|
- North (NCOTA) & South (SCOTA) merge to create OTAC with 15 Chapters.
- First licensure bill vetoed.
- OTAC founding membership 170.
- Mary Lou Hymen elected as first President (1976-1978)
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