Advocacy SIG - AOTA Hill Day Debrief: Sharing Insights and Federal Legislative Priorities

Date and Time: September 30^th, 7-8 PM

Chairperson(s): Mary O’Donnell, Sarah McKinnon & Haley Holland

Location:  Zoom - to be sent out day before the event

Title: AOTA Hill Day Debrief: Sharing Insights and Federal Legislative Priorities

Learning Objectives: 

1. Describe federal legislative priorities from AOTA for 2025-2026
2. Explain the impact of federal policy on OT practice and education
3. Engage in action to advocate for the OT profession

Bio/Focus:

Dr. Mary O’Donnell, OT, OTD, CLC and Dr. Sarah McKinnon, OT, OTD, OTR, BCPR, MPA, FAOTA, FNAP share insights from AOTA Hill Day 2026. Participants will learn about federal legislative priorities affecting the OT profession and outcomes of Hill Day collective advocacy. Additionally, participants will engage in discussion and activities to advance skills and confidence to advocate for the OT profession.

References:

1. American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). AOTA’s Annual Hill Day. American Occupational Therapy Association. https://www.aota.org/advocacy/hill-day
2. Kirsch, B.H. (2015). Transforming values into action: Advocacy as a professional imperative. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 82(4):212-223. DOI: 10.1177/0008417415601395
3. McKinnon, S., Petrone, N., & Tarbet, A. (2024). What is the role of a OT practitioner in advancing advocacy and policy? A scoping review protocol. Open Science Framework. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/Q6H3Y 

This event will be closed day before event. Please register by 4:00 p.m. on September 29, 2025.