Using an Advocacy Toolkit to Promote Systems-Level Advocacy in Occupational Therapy

0.5 Free PDUs

Presenter: Mary Angela Terencio, OTD

Session Description: 

Advocacy has the power to influence public policy, which can lead to systemic changes that affect client care, scope of practice, and reimbursement rates. All practitioners and students are invited to learn about ways we can build relationships and collaborate with legislative and regulatory decision-makers to protect, promote, and progress the profession. This session will cover my capstone experience, including its process and results, as well as teach you how to use the advocacy toolkit created in your practice or school. We will also discuss how it can be used as an adaptable resource as times and policies change.

Course Objectives

Angela Terencio is a recent graduate from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and received her doctorate in occupational therapy. Her capstone project involved the creation of an advocacy toolkit to support occupational therapy practitioners and students in their skills and knowledge as an advocate for the profession. She is excited to work with individuals in the Las Vegas community, especially those in the pediatric population, once she passes her board exam! Her favorite occupations include traveling, hanging out with her cats, and watching reruns of old sitcoms.

References:

Coffman, J., & Beer, T. (2015). The advocacy strategy framework. Center for Evaluation Innovation. https://www.evaluationinnovation.org/publication/the-advocacy-strategy-framework-3/

Dhillon, S., Wilkins, S., Stewart, D., & Law, M. (2015). Understanding advocacy in action: A qualitative study. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79(6), 345-352.

Lencucha, R. & Shikako-Thomas, K. (2019). Examining the intersection of policy and occupational therapy: A scoping review. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 86(3), 185-195. https://doi.org/10.1177/0008417419833183