MAOT Calendar of Events
Date and Time: October 20, 2026 – 7-8pm via zoom
Chairperson(s): Mary O’Donnell, Haley Holland & Sarah McKinnon
Location: Zoom - to be sent out day before the event
Title: AOTA Hill Day Debrief: Sharing 2026 Insights and Federal Legislative Priorities
Speaker: Sarah McKinnon & Mary O’Donnell
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
Bio/Focus:
Sarah McKinnon OT, OTD, OTR, BCPR, MPA, FAOTA, FNAP is an occupational therapist and is the Chair of the OT department the MGB University of Health Professions. She is also the Program Director for the Doctor of Health Sciences program at MGB University of Health Professions. She received her AOTA Fellow distinction for her work in interprofessional advocacy, service and education and Fellow from the National Academies of Practice in 2022. Sarah recently served on the Board of Directors for the American Occupational Therapy Association Political Action Committee (AOTPAC) from 2015-2020 and led government relations for the Massachusetts Association for Occupational Therapy (MAOT).
Mary O’Donnell, OT, OTD, OTR, CLC is an occupational therapist and Assistant Professor in the OT Department at the MGB University of Health Professions. She currently serves as Co-Government Relations Representative of the Massachusetts Association for Occupational Therapy (MAOT). Her clinical and professional interests include pediatrics, adaptive sports and policy/advocacy.
Sarah and Mary will share insights from AOTA Hill Day 2026. Participants will learn about federal legislative priorities currently affecting the OT profession as well as the major takeaways from the collective advocacy of Hill Day.
References:
1. American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). AOTA’s Annual Hill Day. American Occupational Therapy Association. https://www.aota.org/advocacy/hill-day
2. Leverentz, C. (2023). Support the Medicare home health accessibility act: Establishing occupational therapy as Medicare home health qualifying service will help seniors avoid costly interventions [PDF]. American Occupational Therapy Association. https://www.aota.org/-/media/corporate/files/advocacy/federal/hill-day/2026/medicare-home-health-accessibility-act-fact-sheet-with-references.pdf
3. McKinnon, S., Petrone, N. & Tarbet, A. The role of an occupational therapy practitioner in professional advocacy: A scoping review. Translational Science in Occupation, 1(2). https://doi.org/10.32873/unmc.dc.tso.1.2.02
This event will be closed at 4 p.m. the day before the event. Please register by October 19, 2026.
Please keep this copy for your own records and keep with your certificate. MAOT is not responsible for maintaining records for contact hours.
Title: Pediatrics Special Interest Group Virtual Meeting
Date & Time: October 21, 2026 7:00 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Zoom Link: Will be sent out via email the day of the event.
Chairpersons: Jocelynn B. Wallach, OT, MS, OTR and Suzanne Cox, OT, OTD, ATP
Topic: Networking and Topic Discussion
Objectives:
After attending the presentation, participants will be able to:
Focus:
The Pediatric Special Interest Group Virtual Meeting will focus on occupational therapy practitioners networking, sharing information and resources, identifying learning objectives and future topics.
This event will be closed the day before the event. Please register by
4:00 p.m. on October 20th, 2026
Please keep this copy for your records and keep it with your certificate. MAOT is not responsible for maintaining records for contact hours.
2026 MAOT/RIOTA
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
A Conference for Occupational Therapy Practitioners,
Students, and Health and Rehabilitation Professionals
Friday, November 6, 2026
Four Points by Sheraton Norwood, MA
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Online registration closes
November 3, 2026
THANK YOU TO OUR EXHIBITORS & SPONSORS
We gratefully acknowledge the organizations supporting
the 2026 MAOT/RIOTA Annual Conference
PHOTOGRAPHY NOTICE
Photography may take place during the 2026 MAOT/RIOTA Annual Conference. Photographs may be used by MAOT and RIOTA for educational, informational, and promotional purposes, including association websites, social media, publications, email communications, and promotion of future events.
Attendees who prefer not to be photographed may contact info@maot.org prior to conference.
MAOT, Inc.
P.O. Box 110, East Walpole, MA 02032
General Inquiries: info@maot.org
RIOTA
P.O. Box 8585, Warwick, RI 02888
General Inquiries: riota@riota.org
Thursday, November 12, 2026
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting via Zoom
Join MAOT for our Quarterly Board Meeting.
Members are invited to attend virtually. Advanced registration is required. Please do so by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 11, 2026.
The Future of Occupational Therapy is Here—Are You Ready?
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing healthcare, and occupational therapy is no exception. Join the New England Occupational Therapy Collaborative for an engaging webinar exploring the ethical opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into OT practice. Free for CONNOTA, MEOTA, MAOT, NHOTA, RIOTA, and VOTA members!
Occupational Therapy & Artificial Intelligence Ethical Considerations in Practice
Presenter: Pooja A. Patel, DrOT, OTR/L, BCG Founder & Educator, The OT Algorithm
January 14, 2027 6:30 PM Live on Zoom
Whether you're new to AI or already incorporating it into your workflow, this session will provide valuable insights to help you navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a leader in AI and occupational therapy!
This event will be closed the day before event. Please register by 4:00 p.m. on January 13, 2027.
MAOT is not responsible for maintaining records for contact hours. Please retain a copy upon receipt.
