Title: School, Pediatric, and Transition Planning Special Interest Group Virtual Meeting
Date & Time: September17, 2025 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 Esther Bertrand OT, MS, OTR
Topic: Networking and Topic Discussion
Objectives:
After attending the presentation, participants will be able to:
Participants will share resources.
Participants will identify areas of need to further their expertise.
Participants will leave the meeting with at least 1-2 new contacts and/or new resources
Participants will share ideas/topics for future meetings to be developed for future SPTP SIG meetings.
Focus: The school, Pediatric, and Transition Planning Special Interest Group Virtual Meeting will focus on occupational therapy practitioners networking, sharing information and resources, identifying learning objectives and for future topics.
References:
Christner, A. (2015). Promoting the Role of Occupational Therapy in School-based Collaboration: Outcome Project. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 8(2), 136–148. https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2015.1038469
Hoffmann, T., Desha, L. and Verrall, K. (2011), Evaluating an online occupational therapy community of practice and its role in supporting occupational therapy practice. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 58: 337-345.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1630.2011.00954.x
Pollari, E. (2023) Occupational Therapists Fostering Unified Expertise and Learning (OT F.U.E.L.): A Virtual Community of Practice, Boston University. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, 2023. 30636818.
This event will be closed the day before the event. Please register by 4:00 p.m. on September 16th, 2025
Please keep this copy for your records and keep it with your certificate. MAOT is not responsible for maintaining records for contact hours.
Date and Time: Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Chairperson(s): Laurie Cecchi, BS, OT, OTR, CDCS & Shawna Sullivan, OTA, COTA
Location: Zoom - to be sent out day before the event
Title: Cognitive Assessment in Occupational Therapy: Utilizing Case Studies for Effective Interventions in Older Adults
Learning Objectives:
Bio/Focus:
Laurie Cecchi, OT, OTR, CDCS (Certified Dementia Care Specialist) is a highly respected dementia specialist with 35 years of experience in clinical practice. With a strong passion for improving the quality of life for individuals affected by dementia, Laurie has dedicated her career to advancing knowledge, care practices, and policy changes in this critical area. Laurie is currently a full- time professor at Springfield Technical Community College in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Prior to her employment at STCC, she worked for more than a decade on the national clinical practice team for Genesis Rehab Services, serving as the Massachusetts dementia consultant for more than 20 facilities throughout the state. Laurie has been a featured speaker at both national and state conferences where she has shared insights on aging in place with individuals living with dementia, effective therapeutic approaches, and early identification.
The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2024, Vol. 78(4), 7804390010.
https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2024.050691
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2021, November 24). Role of OT in assessing functional cognition. https://www.aota.org/practice/practice-essentials/paymentpolicy/medicare1/medicare---role-of-ot-in-assessing-functional-cognition
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2014). IMPACT Act of 2014 Data standardization & © 2025 American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved cross setting measures. https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/initiatives/pac-qualityinitiatives/impact-act-2014-data-standardization-cross-setting-measures
Giles, G. M., Edwards, D. F., Baum, C., Furniss, J., Skidmore, E., Wolf, T., & Leland, N. E. (2020). Making functional cognition a professional priority. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74, 7401090010p1–7401090010p6. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.741002
Rogers, J. C., Holm, M. B., & Chisholm, D. (2016). Performance assessment of self-care skills – Version 4.1. University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.
REGISTRATION will close at 4:00 p.m. on September 24, 2025.
Date and Time: September 30th, 7-8 PM
Chairperson(s): Mary O’Donnell, Sarah McKinnon & Haley Holland
Title: AOTA Hill Day Debrief: Sharing Insights and Federal Legislative Priorities
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.
This event will be closed day before event. Please register by 4:00 p.m. on September 29, 2025.
Date and Time: 10/16/2025, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Chairperson(s): Lisa Boyajian Kylie Brenneman
Title: Non-Traditional Roles and the OTA
Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) are increasingly taking on non-traditional roles, expanding their reach beyond traditional healthcare settings. OTAs are now being employed in schools, where they support students with disabilities by helping them participate in academic and social activities (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2020). In community-based roles, OTAs work in settings like homeless shelters and senior living facilities, addressing broader social determinants of health by promoting independence and well-being (Salvatori & Zaffuto, 2019). Another emerging role is in telehealth, where OTAs provide virtual therapy, offering accessibility to individuals in remote or underserved areas (Sánchez & Rausch, 2021). OTAs also work as ergonomic specialists helping to prevent injury. OTAs also work providing vocational assistance to those clients looking to return tot he workforce. These innovative roles are a testament to the flexibility of OTAs in addressing diverse needs, increasing their impact in both clinical and non-clinical environments. As the scope of practice evolves, OTAs continue to demonstrate the importance of their contribution to healthcare and community well-being.
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). (2020). Occupational therapy in schools: AOTA policy statement.
Salvatori, P., & Zaffuto, J. (2019). Community-based occupational therapy in non-traditional settings. Journal of Occupational Therapy, 40(2), 45-50.
Sánchez, M. D., & Rausch, S. (2021). Telehealth for occupational therapy assistants: Opportunities and challenges. OT Practice, 26(10), 30-35
Registration will close at 4:00 p.m. on October 15, 2025.
2025 MAOT/RIOTA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Friday, November 7, 2025
Four Points Sheraton
Norwood, MA 02026
MAOT, Inc.
P.O. Box 850543, Braintree, MA 02185
General Inquiries: info@maot.org
RIOTA
P.O. Box 8585, Warwick, RI 02888
General Inquiries: riota@riota.org
Friday, November 7, 2024
Four Points Sheraton Norwood
A Symposium for Occupational Therapy Practitioners,
Students, & Health & Rehabilitation Professionals
Online Registration will close end of day, November 4, 2025.
Exhibitors and Sponsors
We Gratefully Acknowledge the Support of
Participating Exhibitors and Sponsors!
