April is OT Month
Don't Let This
Opportunity Pass You By
Ten Things You Can Do
To Celebrate Occupational Therapy Month
April is National Occupational Therapy Month- an
excellent opportunity to showcase your program or
business, while increasing public awareness of the
unique value of OT. If you already have an OT Month
plan on the drawing board, that's great. We encourage
you to be creative and consider these ideas if you want
to supplement what you've already planned. If you've
not thought about OT Month yet, we hope you'll find
these activities easy, affordable, and
effective.
1. Contact a Reporter With a Great
Story
Local newspapers, and TV and radio stations, are
always seeking compelling human-interest stories. If you
have a client or former client whose success story
illustrates the principles of occupational therapy, find
out the name of a local reporter who covers health and
science issues and write him or her a short letter or
e-mail describing the patient's condition and what was
accomplished as a result of OT intervention. Be mindful
of patient confidentiality restrictions if you choose
this option, and be sure to get their permission before
releasing any personal information to the media. When
speaking about occupational therapy, be sure to say
"occupational therapy" rather than OT, and
include the fact that April is National Occupational
Therapy Month. Remember, stories that might include or
offer good photos are always preferred.
2. Look For Opportunities to Interact With
Public Audiences
Prepare a talk on the unique value of OT and offer to
deliver an informal speech to community service
organizations (Kiwanis, Rotary Clubs, etc.) or the local
Parent-Teacher Association. Contact senior centers and
offer to make a presentation on topics such as driver
safety, managing daily tasks while coping with
arthritis, gadgets for ease and safety in the kitchen,
or time and energy saving tips. Distribute appropriate
handouts, such as AOTA's
Consumer Tip Sheets.
3. Recognize Those Who Have Supported You During
the Past Year
Send "thank you" letters on behalf of your program or
business to those who have referred clients or have in
some way contributed to your success. Refer to the
national observance during April, and use this
opportunity to announce any changes or additions to your
staff, advanced training completed by staff, and new
services you will offer.
4. Make This Your Month to
Advertise
If your business or program does not advertise
regularly, OT Month is an excellent time to start. Try
using radio and TV public service announcements, or the
camera-ready advertisements and logos available on this
Web site.
5. Provide a Public Service
Become involved with community service activities
like Rebuilding
Together, and use the opportunity to
promote the unique role that OT can play in areas such
as home modification and installation of assistive
devices for seniors or individuals with disabilities.
Pediatric clinics have offered free screenings during
National OT Month that can be publicized in community
newspapers and on radio and television.
6. Throw an OT Month Party - Include
Policymakers
Invite former clients for a celebration of their
achievements during National OT Month. Ask them to
bring friends and family. Invite local government
officials, including your Senator or member of Congress.
Click here to find contact information on
US Senators and
Representatives. Serve
refreshments, offer a tour, and take lots of
pictures. Prepare an article for your in-house
publications, and send a news release to your local
newspaper.
7. Hold a Contest
Invite pediatric clients and their siblings to
complete a coloring sheet depicting aspects of OT.
Display the entries and draw the names of several
winners. Take photos of the winners and send them with a
story to your facility's newsletter, or even the local
newspaper.
8. Confer Special Honors
Recognize an outstanding administrator, name an
employee of the year, or honor a patient or client.
Arrange a ceremony or event to present the honor.
Produce a certificate. Take photos and send them with a
short description to your local newspaper.
9. Inform Coworkers
Set up your clinic with free coffee and donuts early
in the morning or have a brown bag lunch one day each
week during the month of April. Inform others in your
work setting through cafeteria tent cards, fliers,
e-mail, or bulletin board notices. Have staff on hand to
chat and inform people about OT. This is particularly
important in areas such as home health agencies where
there is a need to expand awareness of OT. Visit AOTA's
OT Month Web site at www.promoteot.com
for gift ideas and promotional videos about OT.
10. Make House Calls
Put together an information packet, including a fact
sheet about your particular program or business, sample
consumer information fact sheets, and your business
card. Stop by physicians' offices and local businesses.
Introduce yourself to receptionists, and leave your
package for owners and managers to review. Make
follow-up calls a week later to offer additional
information.
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