Key takeaways from the Special Interest Sections at the ASD Winter 2025 Tri-Annual

The Assembly of Student Delegates (ASD) Representatives are elected students within their occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant programs across the country. These delegates gather three times a year virtually, and once in person, to discuss relevant topics in occupational therapy and Student Occupational Therapy Associations (SOTAs) nationwide. The Special Interest Sections (SISs) within the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) are divided into nine groups categorized by practice area. These include Academic Education, Children & Youth, Developmental Disabilities, Home & Community Health, Mental Health, Productive Aging, Rehabilitation & Disability, Sensory Integration, and Work & Industry.

The Winter Tri-Annual meeting hosted a panel of six occupational therapy practitioners and one occupational therapy student intern to discuss the details of their respective SISs and opportunities for involvement. While each SIS provides a unique experience for students and practitioners, here are the key takeaways of what they offer:

1. Student Intern Positions

These positions open every spring to students who have 1full year left of their program and are passionate about being involved, connecting with specialized practitioners, and expanding their education. Their roles and responsibilities can vary per SIS, but mainly consist of attending a monthly meeting, creating resource tools, and working on other projects within their SIS.

2. CommunOT and the SIS Quarterly Practice Connections

Each SIS has a designated communication thread within CommunOT, where practitioners and students connect to share information on events, initiatives, helpful resources, and to ask questions.

Each SIS publishes articles specific to their members’ areas of interest SIS Standing Committee members are excited to be transitioning to new microsites, where they’ll have a space for practitioners and students to connect, share experiences, explore emerging areas of practice, and learn more about topics of interest within their practice setting.

3. Journal Clubs and Practice Chats

These events are open to anyone in the SIS regardless of their experience level and may include non-AOTA members. Kelly Sajdak, of the Home & Community Health SIS (HCHSIS), stated that these meetings bring the “Gift of Connection.” Attendees hear from a variety of speakers on topics within their area of practice, discuss meaningful current events, and interface with practitioners and students from across the country.

4. Mentorship Programs and Clinic to Classroom

Some SIS committees have mentorship programs for new grads or those transitioning into a new practice area to provide extra support and guidance. Notably, the Rehabilitation & Disability SIS (RDSIS) created the Clinic to Classroom program which connects practitioners in different settings that fall under the RDSIS to connect with SOTAs nationwide. These practitioners provide valuable insight to their daily roles and responsibilities so that students feel prepared and confident to enter their fieldwork or area of practice.

5. Open House and SIS Networking Event at AOTA INSPIRE

At the AOTA INSPIRE 2025 Conference and Expo, all SISs hold a collaborative networking event that occurs the Wednesday night before the Conference officially begins. This event welcomes all students and practitioners to learn more about their practice areas and the different Communities of Practice that fall within each SIS. Throughout the Conference, there are also Open House Events hosted by the different SIS committees to engage in conversations and activities related to their areas of expertise. To find out when and where these sessions will take place, check out the session schedule on the AOTA INSPIRE website or in the AOTA app.

The Winter Tri-Annual meeting provided important information, shedding light on the distinct value of an AOTA membership. The panelists provided many helpful resources, discussed ways to become involved, and shared supports to help students and practitioners cultivate confidence in their OT skills.

Mya-Ann Tschopp is an OTD student at New York Institute of Technology where she will be graduating in May 2025. She is currently completing her doctoral capstone on educating and advocating for college students on the return to the education process post-concussion. She has occupational therapy areas of interest in neurology and physical rehabilitation.