2009 Capitol Hill Day: 300 Occupational Therapy Voices Reaching Nearly 100 Lawmakers
By Stephanie Yamkovenko
On October 5, nearly 300 occupational therapy practitioners and students entered the United States Capitol as ambassadors for their profession for AOTA’s 2009 Capitol Hill Day—another record turnout. The event occurred amid the intensifying debate on health care reform, and legislators heard the voice of occupational therapy on that debate and more. Take action now!
The 2009 Capitol Hill Day not only had record attendance, but participants also successfully visited the offices of more than 95 senators and representatives from their respective states and districts. See the day's events in photos.
Before meeting with their members of Congress and staff, participants attended a briefing by Federal Affairs staff in a packed room, highlighting the specific issues currently affecting occupational therapy, including the three legislative priorities. Following the briefing, the attendees advocated for occupational therapy by discussing eliminating the Medicare cap on occupational therapy services, assuring rehabilitation and habilitation are covered services in any new health plans, and making occupational therapy an initiating service in home health.
AOTA supports eliminating the therapy cap because the cap is arbitrary, inappropriate, and potentially harmful to some of the most vulnerable clients. For a detailed discussion on the therapy cap, AOTA members can read the article “Exceptions Prove the Rule” in the August 10 issue of OT Practice.
While AOTA federal affairs staff work tirelessly advocating for the profession throughout the year, Capitol Hill Day is a vital component in sharing the message of occupational therapy with lawmakers. By participating in grassroots efforts and meeting with their own representatives, occupational therapy practitioners and students have a powerful effect.
“I have walked the halls of Congress and met with countless members of Congress and their staffs and have seen firsthand how one person really can make a difference,” says Amy Lamb, chairperson of the American Occupational Therapy Political Action Committee (AOTPAC). “The experience has renewed my faith in our political system, and it is important for all occupational therapy practitioners and students to participate in this experience.”
In addition to the individual meetings with representatives and staff, AOTA also held a special Capitol Hill Briefing to educate legislators, staff, and the general public on workplace ergonomics. Former AOTA President Karen Jacobs, EdD, CPE, OTR/L, FAOTA, briefed attendees about ergonomic strategies to promote efficiency and decrease stress and discomfort from continued use of new technologies. The briefing was a celebration of National Ergonomics Month in October. See tip sheets about ergonomic strategies for stress management, healthy computing, and playing golf.
It’s not too late to get involved and take action; visit the Virtual Hill Day page to advocate for OT today.
Stephanie Yamkovenko is AOTA’s staff writer.