Dr. Lela A. Llorens Award of Excellence for Diversity Equity & Inclusion
Established in 2023 to honor Dr. Lela A. Llorens, an occupational therapy pioneer, this award recognizes AOTA members who have utilized Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIJAB) principles to address the needs of marginalized, under-resourced, and/or underrepresented persons, groups, and populations. Recipients have made substantial and lasting scholarly and/or practice contributions that advance equitable and inclusive occupational therapy.
Spirit of the Award
This award honors AOTA members whose scholarly and practice contributions advance DEIJAB principles and occupational justice. Recipients create sustained, documented, lasting impact for marginalized, under-resourced, and underrepresented populations and for the profession as a whole.
Description and Purpose
- To honor AOTA members who have substantially and innovatively contributed to developing and sustaining knowledge that advances social justice and inclusion in the profession.
- To recognize practitioners who have made lasting scholarly and/or practice contributions that enhance equitable service to diverse consumers.
- To acknowledge the development of theory, standards, and methods that promote occupational justice and public awareness.
- To enable members to benefit from new knowledge, innovative perspectives, and significant DEIJAB developments in the profession.
Criteria
Nominations must address all of the following areas with specific, documented evidence. Commitment must be demonstrated through documented actions, leadership, products, or outcomes rather than stated intentions or affiliations alone.
Scholarly or Practice Contribution to DEIJAB
- The nominee has made a significant contribution to the body of knowledge and/or practice of the profession in the area of DEIJAB.
- Evidence may include publications, research, presentations, practice frameworks, program development, or policy contributions.
- Contributions must be evaluated from a group or population lens, not solely individual clinical practice.
Sustained Dissemination and Advocacy
- The nominee has demonstrated lasting commitment to disseminating their work through advocacy, programming, publication, presentation, teaching, leadership, and/or mentorship.
- Evidence must span multiple years and demonstrate reach beyond the nominee’s immediate setting.
Organizational Contribution
- Volunteer group or organizational leadership with a clear DEIJAB focus will be considered.
What Does Not Qualify Alone
Participating in DEI committees as part of a standard employment role, completing required training, or expressing commitment to equity principles without documented outcomes does not meet the criteria. Nominations must demonstrate sustained, above-and-beyond contribution with measurable or clearly describable impact on the profession, on practice, or on the populations served.
Previous recipients
The following members have been awarded the Lela A. Llorens Award of Excellence for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.