Date of Award

4-2023

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Abe Saffer

Second Advisor

Holly Grieves

Abstract

The future of occupational therapy, a commonly misunderstood and underutilized profession, is largely influenced by advocacy at the systemic level. The following capstone project was completed at the American Occupational Therapy Association with the federal advocacy department. The capstone site mentor, Abe Saffer, is a lobbyist who mainly works on workforce, mental health, and school-based occupational therapy issues. Throughout this project, the capstone student advocated for occupational therapy and those that occupational therapy serves through legislation, networking, and by facilitating the development of OTP advocates. Additionally, the student acquired skills to continue to advocate for herself, the clients she works with, and the occupational therapy profession for the remainder of her career. More specifically, she learned about the legislative process, performed a review of legislation from the previous congress, created a capstone student curriculum, attended American Occupational Therapy Political Action Committee (AOTPAC) fundraisers, and attended federal agency meetings throughout this project.

Download

Share

COinS