I found notes from a lecture I attended years ago that listed dozens of ways occupational therapists could promote and educate people about OT. While it saddened me a little that OTs continue to struggle with an identity crisis, I also believe occupational therapy is so valuable that it is worth the effort.

So, what can you do today to promote and educate others about our profession?

• Online
• ● Repost stories about occupational therapy.
• ● Follow your favorite OTs on social media.
• ● Post OT memes on your social media feeds.
• ● Use social media resources developed for OT Month (April) and World OT Day (October).
• ● Share your own blog or online posts about OT.
• ● If a story or post doesn’t include OT, make a comment.

• Professional Associations
• ● Join AOTA and get involved in their efforts to promote OT.
• ● Attend conferences and other events promoting OT.
• ● Contribute to professional publications.
• ● Submit proposals for poster sessions or workshops at state and national conferences.

• Volunteer in the community
• ● Speak at a senior center, business association or local service organization.
• ● Participate in career day at a local school.
• ● Help conduct home safety assessments.
• ● Conduct assessments at a homeless shelter or domestic violence safe house.
• ● Work with kids at your local Boys and Girls Club.
• ● Work on IADLs at a group home for developmentally disabled.

• Increase the visibility of OT
• ● Make sure your office or cubicle says Occupational Therapy.
• ● Frame and hang your diploma.
• ● Wear an “Ask me about OT” button at work.

• Build relationships with other healthcare professionals
• ● Write an article for your hospital or agency newsletter.
• ● Introduce new OTs to everyone on staff.
• ● Share your knowledge and the unique skills you can offer as an OT at interdisciplinary team meetings.
• ● Coordinate an in-service training.
• ● Participate on agency wide committees (UR, QA, safety, ethics).
• ● Volunteer for agency-sponsored community events.
• ● Initiate brainstorming sessions with other professionals.

• Build relationships with the patient and families
• ● Prepare and practice your explanation of OT and its unique benefits for patients. For inspiration, check out my blog – What is OT? In 60 Seconds or Less!
• ● Always leave patients and caregivers easy-to-read, illustrated patient education handouts that reinforce your therapy session. Check out some free sample handouts from the Occupational Therapy Toolkit.
• ● Invite family members to participate in the treatment plan.

This topic is on AOTA’s radar this summer too with a free (for members) Knowledge Webinar which includes Branding OT particularly around innovative and non-traditional roles. I hope this list inspires you to find a new way to promote the value and unique contribution of OT – it will be worth the effort.