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2025 2nd Annual OTA Symposium
| 2025 OTA Symposium On Demand Recordings |
| Building Bridges in OT Education: Intraprofessional Collaboration Between OT and OTA Program - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Holly Reed, EdD, OTR/L The 2023 ACOTE® standards for intraprofessional education have expanded the necessity of OT and OTA students to gain knowledge and experience in how to work collaboratively as a team in clinical practice. Many OT and OTA programs are searching for new ways to address the ACOTE® standards but face many barriers to establishing these experiences. This presentation will highlight two successful intraprofessional teaching collaborations between the Occupational Therapy Program at Point Loma Nazarene University and the Occupational Therapy Program at Grossmont College. The process of creating these in-person learning experiences will be discussed. Examples of small-group student-led discussions and simulations, along with explanations of the process will be presented. These experiences will demonstrate the value of intraprofessional education in preparing future practitioners for collaborative, ethical, and role-affirming practice in the field of occupational therapy.- 9/2025 |
| Say My Name: The Professional Identity of the Occupational Therapy Assistant - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Natalie Chang Wright, MBA-HCM, COTA/L, ROH; Amy Fatula, MEd, COTA/L, ATP, CDP; Michele Stoll, MS, COTA/L, CMT; Vicki Thomas, COTA, CDP, ROH Names matter. Occupational therapy assistants (OTA) often encounter situations in which they are addressed by terms that do not reflect their credentials, skills, experience, and training. This session will focus on raising awareness and use of inclusive language by occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs).- 9/2025 |
| Unlocking Potential in Non-Traditional Settings for the OTA - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Marlene Steele, MHA/Ed, COTA/L; Wendy Manna, MHA/Ed, COTA/L, RAI-CT In this session, attendees will explore innovative OT settings. Come assess your unique skills within the OT Practice Framework to expand your professional horizons and learn to bridge the gap and transition from traditional to non-traditional settings.-9/2025 |
| Walk in My Shoes: Seeing Through the OTA Lens - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Andre Johnson, MS, OTR/L (WA), COTA/L (FL), ROH This presentation will be a reflective and motivational narrative by from an experienced occupational therapy practitioner and leader. It will outline Johnson’s personal background, professional journey, leadership philosophy, and actionable insights for others in the occupational therapy field. The structure will be introspective and educational, with a focus on purpose, skills, knowledge, values, and community impact. Johnson will share his career trajectory from an occupational therapy assistant in Miami, Florida, to his most recent roles as a frontline practice full-time Occupational Therapist Hand Fellow, a part-time academician, and a member of the AOTA Board of Directors. His story will highlight the importance of mentorship, advocacy, and building meaningful connections within the occupational therapy profession, particularly for occupational therapy assistants. The presentation will conclude with practical advice on networking, mentorship, embracing growth through discomfort, and getting involved in local and national occupational therapy organizations, aiming to inspire emerging leaders in the occupational therapy community.-9/2025 |
Cancellation/Refund Policy. $25 is retained to cover cancellation/refund processing costs. Written notice must be received in the OTAC office by September 18, 2025 to be eligible for refunds. No refunds after this date. Disclaimer: OTAC reserves the right to make changes to the program. No refunds will made based on these changes.
Past OTA Symposiums
2024 1st Annual OTA Symposium
| 2024 OTA Symposium On Demand Recordings |
| Creating an Intentional Professional Development Plan - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1.5 PDUs Abi Swidergal, MS, COTA/L, CKTP, ROH, and Melissa Tilton, MS, COTA/L, ROH Occupational therapy practitioners are bound to practice acts, licensure requirements, and code of ethics to ensure we are providing effective intervention in creation of the best possible outcomes for each client and practice. To do so, we must engage in an intentional process for creating our professional development plans. Practitioners will identify methods for intentional planning of professional development.- 2/2024 |
| The OTA Workforce Study - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1.25 PDUs Sharon Pavlovich, EdD, COTA/L In collaboration with the California Board of Occupational Therapy, the California Community College Centers of Excellence conducted a 2019 California Occupational Therapy Assistant Workforce Survey for OTAs in California. This presentation will examine the report findings which combine original survey data with recent educational and employment statistics and projections to describe the current OTA workforce, the educational programs that train OTAs, and the growing employer demand for OTAs in California.- 2/2024 |
| Resistance Is Futile - $15 members/$30 nonmembers - 0.75 PDUs Rodney Harris, COTA/L Rodney's journey from law enforcement to occupational therapy is a testament to the value of adaptability and recognition of the constant evolution of life. He will elaborate on how staying abreast of change enhances our ability to facilitate occupation-based interactions, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes for those we serve. He aims to inspire a mindset of adaptability and continuous learning, emphasizing the profound impact it can have on the field of occupational therapy.- 2/2024 |
| Building Bridges: A Journey of Occupational Therapy Assistants in Education and Leadership - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1.25 PDUs Laura Deary, BS, COTA/L, and Jessica Padilla, COTA/L The journey of two occupational therapy assistants whose history of volunteerism at the state and national organizational levels, coupled with their passion for the future of occupational therapy practitioners, has led them ultimately into the field of academia. The presenters will reflect on their journeys and expose the possibilities for other OTAs to follow in their footsteps.- 2/2024 |