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AOTA is committed to promoting occupational therapy to the public. Doing so through
community and media channels raises awareness of the profession among the general public and among
decision makers. As more people become aware of the benefits of occupational therapy, the profession as
a whole benefits. That is why AOTA created "The Fund To Promote Awareness of Occupational Therapy" in
2002. "The Fund" is the outreach arm of AOTA. With assistance from AOTA members and other contributors,
The Fund develops, promotes, and supports a host grassroots and public awareness initiatives like OT Month,
National School Backpack Awareness Day, Older Driver Safety, Rebuilding Together &8482; , and more.
AOTA encourages its members to help Promote OT . Join The Fund in its mission to educate
the public about the contributions of occupational therapy to health, wellness, productivity, and the quality of life. Participate
in local events, talk about your work, and promote a positive and active community face for the occupational therapy
profession. AOTA and The Fund have developed a host of materials to help you get started and keep the momentum
going! Don't hesitate to take advantage of this timesaving member benefit.
More tangible benefits. Occupational therapy practitioners and students who get involved in community
activities lay the groundwork for future partnerships as they educate communities about the valuable role occupational therapy
plays in the lives of community members of all ages. For students, community involvement and event participation may satisfy
some class work or Level I Fieldwork requirements.
The Fund To Promote Awareness of Occupational Therapy
The Fund is a charitable organization, offering a tax-advantaged venue for donations and support. With assistance
from AOTA and other contributors, The Fund develops, promotes, and supports all of AOTA's large and small outreach
and public awareness initiatives. The Fund is committed to ongoing resource development to support targeted education,
research, and professional development opportunities that will increase the public's understanding and utilization of occupational
therapy services.
10 Things to Know About The Fund To Promote Awareness of Occupational Therapy
- The Fund is new! It was created in 2002 in response to members' #1 priority-to raise awareness about occupational
therapy services, societal contributions, and potential, both inside and outside the profession.
- The Fund is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with the goal of building corporate funding to support projects
that promote recognition and visibility of the occupational therapy profession.
- The Fund is actively seeking to increase its number of long-term organizational and corporate sponsors
to increase outreach and awareness efforts.
- The Fund secured underwriting for a 2003 Gallup survey, "Forging Connections," a national survey of the
perception of occupational therapy's role in helping older adults live independently.
- National School Backpack Awareness Day is an annual campaign initiated by The Fund and AOTA to
promote awareness of occupational therapy's role in the health and well-being of children. The event takes place the third
Wednesday in September.
- The Fund is actively involved in developing programs and materials to support public participation in OT
Month, which takes place every April. The month-long celebration encourages occupational therapy as a career choice and
celebrates the work of practitioners in their wide variety of practice settings.
- The Fund is a strategic partner with Rebuilding Together, a national organization that works to preserve
and revitalize houses and communities. The partnership highlights occupational therapy's contributions to helping individuals
live independently and age in place.
- The Fund conducts consumer research to ensure that AOTA is alert to society's perceptions of occupational
therapy and responds accordingly with targeted messages.
- The Fund helps AOTA craft messages to the public through the media that increase awareness and perception
of occupational therapy as a vital force in the health care arena and in society.
- The Fund supports AOTA's vision: The contributions of occupational therapy to health, wellness, productivity,
and the quality of life are widely used, understood, and valued by society.
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