AOTA Podcast

In this episode of AOTA's Everyday Evidence Podcast, we explore what happens when occupational therapy is included in comprehensive health assessments for children entering foster care and why that moment may be one of the most important opportunities for developmental support. Joining us are Kristine Fortin, MD, MPH, Anne-Ashley Field, OTR/L, BCP, and Judith Dawson, RN, BSN, from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Fostering Health Program. Their study, "Occupational Therapists Enhance Comprehensive Health Assessments for Children in Foster Care", examines how adding occupational therapy to multidisciplinary evaluations impacts developmental detection, referrals, and caregiver education. Children in foster care face high rates of developmental delay, placement instability, and barriers to accessing services. This research explores how occupational therapy functions to identify needs early and provide real-time strategies during a critical transition period. Additional Resources: Interoception & Trauma: The Latest Science on Healing Trauma, Occupation and Participation, Considerations in Occupational Therapy by Amy Lynch and Rachel Ashcraft Sensory Healing After Developmental Trauma by Marti Smith Complete the following survey for a contact hour certificate: https://forms.aota.org/forms/everyday_evidence_copy?PODCAST=Everyday Evidence: Occupational Therapy and Foster Care: Strengthening Development at First Contact

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Britt St. John (PhD, MPH, OTR/L), occupational therapist, Fulbright Scholar, and researcher at the University of Washington whose work bridges family health, autism research, and food science. Britt shares the remarkable story behind her "From Focus Group to Chicken Nugget" project, a participatory research collaboration that began with focus-group conversations among autistic adults about sensory preferences and safe foods and evolved into the development of a hybrid-protein, sensory-modified chicken nugget. We discuss how inclusive and community-driven research can transform clinical understanding of selective eating, challenge assumptions about "picky eaters," and demonstrate that joy and preference are integral to both participation and biological health. Dr. St. John's pilot studies revealed that participants who enjoyed the nugget showed greater positive microbiome changes! A finding that connects sensory processing, nutrition, and gut health in profound new ways. Contact Hour Survey Link Want to learn more or support this work? You can reach out to Dr. St. John directly at bstjohn@uw.edu with questions, collaborations, or inquiries about future research opportunities.

What does it mean to think globally as an occupational therapy practitioner? On today's episode, we sit down with three internationally recognized leaders: Samantha Shann, MSc, PGCert, Dip COT (UK), FRCOT, President of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, Ginny Stoffel, PhD, OT, FAOTA, AOTA Delegate to WFOT, and Douglene Jackson, PhD, OTR/L, LMT, ATP, CYT, FAOTA Alternate AOTA Delegate to WFOT, to explore the mission and impact of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Together, we dive into: WFOT's global role and its upcoming 75th anniversary in 2027 How practitioners and students can become members, volunteer, and engage in international OT initiatives Signature resources like the Occupational Therapy Workforce Resource Hub and Human Resources Project 2024 The growing collaboration between AOTA and WFOT and how that partnership is shaping the future World OT Day (October 27): its origins, themes, and how to get involved What to expect from the WFOT Congress in 2026 Whether you're an occupational therapy student curious about global opportunities or a seasoned practitioner ready to expand your impact, this episode offers practical ways to connect, contribute, and celebrate the worldwide OT community. Learn more at: https://wfot.org https://www.aota.org/events/calendar/world-ot-day

In this powerful episode of the AOTA Podcast, we explore the True Grit Spinal Cord Program, a groundbreaking, community-based, post-acute rehabilitation experience designed for adolescents and young adults with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Occupational therapists Keara McNair, MS, OTR/L, BCPR, ATP and Kassandra Boyd, OTD, OTR/L, share how this program, built in partnership with Rutgers University and Children's Specialized Hospital, empowers participants to develop independence, build community, and thrive as they transition to adulthood. Resources: True Grit Spinal Cord Program American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Issac L.- A Second Chance for Teens Spinal Cord Injury Patients Learn Life and Mobility Skills at True Grit Camp The QuadCast: S5 E13- The True Grit Spinal Cord Injury Program

How can occupational therapy practitioners expand their role in assistive technology development, and what does 3D printing have to do with it? In this episode of Everyday Evidence, we're joined by Bill Janes, OTD, MSCI, OTR/L, whose work as an occupational therapist, researcher, and assistive tech advocate explores the intersection of 3D printing, client-centered care, and the PEOP framework. Together, we explore the potential of 3D printing to transform how occupational therapy practitioners approach problem-solving in assistive technology, offering customizable, affordable, and innovative solutions that can meet unique client needs in real-time. We discuss practical case examples, lessons from an ALS clinic collaboration, and recent research that demystifies the design process and challenges assumptions about cost and feasibility. Resources: Makers Making Change Thingiverse TinkerCAD ATIA – Assistive Technology Industry Association RESNA – Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America OT & 3D Printing Facebook Group AT-AT Lab, University of Missouri Research Articles Referenced: Feasibility of Customized 3D-Printed Assistive Technology Within an Existing Multidisciplinary Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Clinic Assessing the Use of Co-design to Produce Bespoke Assistive Technology Solutions Within a Current Healthcare Service: A Service Evaluation From Makerspaces to Practice: 3D Printing Expansion to Improve Assistive Technology Access Contact Hour Survey Link

In honor of National Black History Month and Women's History Month, this special episode explores the invaluable contributions of Black women occupational therapy practitioners, scholars, and leaders who have shaped the profession and continue to drive health equity forward. We are joined by Arameh Anvarizadeh, Natalie Chang Wright, and co-host Varleisha Lyons to reflect on the legacy of trailblazers who broke barriers, discuss the ongoing challenges in diversifying the field, and highlight the critical role of occupational therapy in addressing health disparities. Featuring insightful conversations with established voices in OT, this episode examines the future of leadership, mentorship, and advocacy in building a more inclusive and equitable profession. Additional Resources: DEIJAB Toolkit Promoting Health Equity through Holistic Admissions in OT education RISE Pathways Program DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the authors and speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or endorsements of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). AOTA does not assume responsibility for any interpretations, applications, or consequences of this material in light of current laws or policies. This presentation is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or regulatory guidance. Attendees/Listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal, regulatory, or organizational policies regarding compliance with current federal and state laws on DEI-related content. By attending/listening to this session, participants acknowledge that they do so voluntarily and agree that neither the presenters nor AOTA shall be held liable for any actions taken based on the information provided.

In today's episode, we speak with Emily Barr about patient safety and some of the research and advocacy efforts she has been involved in as the Nebraska Coalition for Patient Safety executive director. She describes OT's distinct role in addressing patient safety and provides recommendations for students, clinicians, educators, and advocates to improve patient safety standards, reduce healthcare costs, and improve patient outcomes. Contact Hour Survey Additional Resources: National Quality Forum focus on HARM project National Quality Forum update to serious adverse event reporting Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005 CMS Patient Safety Measure for Hospitals CMS Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement

On Today's episode we speak with DeOnna Clark, Beth, Johnson and Melissa Tilton about how you can identify, address, and prevent compassion fatigue and burnout in your OT practice. They highlight the need to destigmatize burnout and compassion fatigue, introduce the emotional PPE project, and provide personal and systematic recommendations to decrease the barriers that healthcare workers face when seeking, accessing, and receiving emotional and mental health support The 2024 AOTA Podcast episodes are sponsored by NYU Steinhardt's top-ranked Department of Occupational Therapy. Additional Resources: Emotional PPE Project Professional Quality of Life website

On today's episode, we speak with Maggie Deforge, an OT practitioner and chair of the group Occupational Therapy for Native Americans. She shares lived experiences, insights, and recommendations to address Native issues and to encourage culturally safe practices across settings. Additional Resources: ot4natives.org OT MDI Network

On today's episode, we speak with AOTA Director of Quality Jamar Haggans and AOTA Senior Legislative Representative Andy Bopp. We discuss the Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act (Bill H.R.7148) and occupational therapy's role and impact within Medicare home health. Jamar and Andy share insights into their efforts to support OT quality and advocacy and provide recommendations for how practitioners can get involved and optimize their care. The 2024 AOTA Podcast episodes are sponsored by NYU Steinhardt's top-ranked Department of Occupational Therapy. Additional Resources: Take Action Page AOTA Fact Sheet Home Health Evaluation Checklist Home Health Micro Credential

On today's episode we speak with Apple Sepulveda. Apple is a co-founder of the nurture collective, occupational therapist and lactation consultant. We discuss the importance and process of addressing maternal and infant mental health within the scope of OT to facilitate improved developmental and wellness outcomes. She shares recommendations for occupational therapy practitioners across settings and resources to support change and best practices. The 2024 AOTA Podcast episodes are sponsored by NYU Steinhardt's top-ranked Department of Occupational Therapy. Nurture Collective Brazelton's Touchpoints Erikson Institutes MAMMHA Screening App Postpartum Support International

On today's episode we are joined by Sam Troia and Michael Tambone. We discuss their research and work in contributing to holistic approaches to care for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. They share evidence backed and innovative approaches to care for this population and give recommendations on how to improve health and well-being outcomes by enhancing individual's habits and routines. Contact Hour Survey Additional Resources: Cognitive Remediation Habit Formation 8 Dimensions of Wellness Motivational Interviewing Why We Sleep

On today's episode we are joined by Robin Newman and Katie Polo. We discuss their research and work in contributing to the Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Adults Living With, and Beyond Cancer.. They share evidence included in the guidelines and give recommendations on how to improve the OT process when working with adults living with and beyond cancer across the care continuum. Contact Hour Survey Additional Resources: Cancer and Occupational Therapy AJOT Systematic Review Briefs American Cancer Society National Cancer Institute