AOTA Hill Day 2025: A record-breaking day of advocating together

On September 19, occupational therapy practitioners (OTP) and student advocates from 29 states and Washington, DC gathered on Capitol Hill for AOTA’s annual Hill Day—a powerful demonstration of advocacy and unity for the occupational therapy profession.

This year’s Hill Day was record-breaking, with:

• 316 advocates participating
• 173 congressional meetings held
• 24 meetings with Members of Congress

Participants championed key legislative priorities, including:

• H.R. 2013, the Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act
• H.R. 4037/S. 2847, the Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act
• Robust federal appropriations to support the OT workforce in schools and students
• Extension of Medicare Telehealth waivers

These issues reflect the essential role of occupational therapy in meeting the diverse needs of individuals across the lifespan, in various settings, and with a wide range of health care challenges.

AOTA’s annual Hill Day empowers participants to speak directly with lawmakers, and their staff, about the distinct value of occupational therapy. OTPs and students sharing their lived experience and clinical expertise illustrate the biggest reason why we must have a seat at the table: OT is an essential part of the solution to so many of the health care and education challenges we face.

That message was echoed by the record number of advocates. Hill Day participants shared why they journeyed to Washington, D.C. to use their voices — as featured on AOTA social media — underscoring their passion and purpose.

Venissa Rodriguez, an OT student at Johnson & Wales University, added:

“We are underutilized, underrepresented, and we have so much more to offer to the profession and our country. And we need to get more folks advocating for us and what we do.”

Rachel Kostelz, a school-based occupational therapist in Pennsylvania, shared:

“Every day, I see the difference it makes when children receive the right supports. As occupational therapists, we bring a unique lens to understanding and improving the environments where kids learn and grow. That’s why we need to be at the table — part of the conversations and decisions that shape the systems surrounding children and families.”

Terry Ma, an OT student at the University of Southern California, emphasized the importance of early engagement:

“As a student, I believe we’re the future of this profession. So, why not start early? It’s important to advocate to grow our profession—and to advocate for our patients as well.”

And our Hill Day advocacy is already making a difference! In the days following Hill Day, we’ve seen new co-sponsorships from Members of Congress whose offices met with advocates on our priority bills. AOTA’s Federal Affairs team is actively following up on Hill Day meetings, using participant feedback to build on the momentum, continuing to advance our legislative priorities.

Thank you to all the amazing OT advocates who joined us for this inspiring day of advocacy!

Weren’t able to make it to Hill Day? You can take action on our Hill Day priorities and more at AOTA’s Legislative Action Center.