AOTA Hill Day 2026: Raising our voices, strengthening our community

On September 24, occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs), students, and advocates from across the country gathered on Capitol Hill for AOTA’s 2026 Hill Day to raise their voice for occupational therapy. This year’s event was especially memorable for the powerful sense of connection and shared purpose that defined the day. Participants not only met with lawmakers to advocate for the profession but also engaged with AOTA volunteer leaders and heard inspiring remarks from occupational therapist and Member of Congress Tim Kennedy on the Capitol steps. His remarks reinforced the impact of raising our voices together as one occupational therapy community to support both the profession and the people whom we serve.

Rep. Tim Kennedy (NY), an occupational therapist, and AOTA President Arameh Anvarizadeh speak to OT advocates on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

2026 Hill Day by the numbers:

• 289 advocates participating
• 162 congressional meetings held
• Representing 27 states, Washington, DC, and the Virgin Islands.

Participants championed key legislative priorities, including:

• H.R. 2013, the Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act, which would allow the need for occupational therapy to qualify someone for the Part A Medicare Home Health benefit without needing nursing, PT, or Speech.
• H.R. the RECOVER Act, which would repeal an arbitrary payment cut, the multiple procedure payment reduction faced by therapy services under Medicare Part B. These issues were chosen because they highlight both the importance of occupational therapy in helping people live their fullest lives and the barriers we currently face in providing these services to those who need them.

Participants getting ready to go into a meeting with their Senator.

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 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.

2026 Hill Day participants celebrate a day of advocacy on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. 

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 and continue to advance our legislative priorities.

Thank you to all the amazing OT advocates who raised their voice for occupational therapy!

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.