Every year, American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) members travel to the nation’s capital to meet with elected officials and staff to discuss legislative priorities that impact occupational therapy practice in the United States. This year, AOTA Hill Day events took place Sept. 30, when more than 350 participants from across the country attended to advocate on Capitol Hill and in the U. S. House and Senate offices.
Six second-year students in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Kent State East Liverpool participated, accompanied by Kathy Swoboda, program director, and Nina Sullivan, clinical education coordinator, both of whom are OT practitioners. Students met with legislative aides/staff assistants of congressmen/women in the offices of Senate and House of Representatives leaders representing the students’ respective home states and districts.
Ohio students met in the offices of Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rep. Michael Rulli (R-OH06), as well as Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH12) on behalf of one of his constituents who could not attend.
A student who lives in West Virginia met with staff in the offices of Sen. Joe Manchin III (I-WV), Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Rep. Alex Mooney (R-WV02).
Another student who is a Pennsylvania resident met with staff in the offices of House of Representatives members Madeleine Dean (D-PA04), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA14), Chris Deluzio (D-PA17) and Summer Lee (D-PA12).
“They were all very engaged in our conversations and showed us that they cared,” noted Sullivan. “Hill Day advocacy is designed to discuss legislation that affects occupational therapy and impacts the services of our clients. Students discussed the need and benefits of OT services to these elected officials.”
The bills discussed between students and legislative officials included:
- The Expanded Telehealth Access Act (S.2880/H.R.3875) draws attention to the benefits of being able to treat a client in their home setting.
- The Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act (H.R.2474) addresses the freezes and payment cuts affecting not only the treating OT practitioners, but the overall quality of care being provided to clients.
- The Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act (S.1592/H.R.8220) addresses the underutilized mental health treatment clients can receive under OT services.
“Not only do these bills affect the current OT practitioners, but also the future of the field and the quality of healthcare services individuals need to remain safe, independent and manage their diagnosis,” Sullivan explained.
This was the first in-person Hill Day since the Covid pandemic and students made the most of their time while in Washington, D.C. Over the past few years, the event was held in a virtual setting.
Reflecting on their experiences, the students offered these statements:
“It was so insightful to see how much change we can do for our profession and how easily we can do it! If we put in the effort, we can do so much for us and our colleagues.
“Being able to meet with my state's elected representatives and advocate for the profession I am passionate about made me feel empowered. Change starts through our actions and our voice, and AOTA Hill Day let me use my voice. It left me feeling inspired and even more excited for my future career as an occupational therapy practitioner.”
“It was such a wonderful opportunity to advocate for the profession of occupational therapy to the legislative assistants, aids and correspondents of my state. Getting to personally speak about each bill was an incredible experience to raise awareness of the importance of occupational therapy and contribute to the overall health and inclusion of diverse individuals and communities.”
“It was such a great opportunity to advocate for occupational therapy to the Senate and House of Representatives. I loved the opportunity to speak up about the different bills regarding OT and what the profession of OT is.”
Cutline A: Reflecting on their time in the nation’s capital while visiting the Washington Monument
Cutline B: Gathering on the steps of the U.S. Capitol during Hill Day 2024 were (front, from left) Nicole Grimm, Abbey Eye, Therese Valentine, Brianna Spirk and (back from left) Kathy Swoboda, program director; Nina Sullivan, Hannah Bowers and Jessica Schneider.
Cutline C: Visiting the office of Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) were (from left) Hannah Bowers, Jessica Schneider, Therese Valentine and Nicole Grimm
Cutline D: Abbey Eye at the office of Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).
Cutline E: At the Petersen House, where Abraham Lincoln died, were (from left) Nicole Grimm, Abbey Eye, Hannah Bowers, Therese Valentine, Jessica Schneider and Brianna Spirk