AOTA: A Historical Perspective
Occupational therapists formed their first professional association in 1917. It was called the National Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy (NSPOT). Its founders wanted their new organization to give life and direction to their fledging field of practice.
Six people attended the first meeting on March 15, 1917, in Clifton Springs, New York. Thomas Kidner, George Barton, William Dunton, Eleanor Clarke Slagle, Isabel Newton, and Susan Johnson met over two days and created the underlying philosophy that would govern the Association. They were dedicated to building a role for occupational therapy in the health care community, and to establishing an organization that would build the profession and serve its members.
The first major service performed by the new association was to convince the U.S. Army and the commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in World War I, General John Pershing, to order the hiring of 5,000 reconstruction aides to provide occupational therapy to the war’s wounded. During and after the war, NSPOT lobbied within the health care community and with the government for a greater role for occupational therapy in health care.
In 1921, the organization changed its name to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). AOTA’s leadership helped create the Industrial Rehabilitation Act, and it assisted with moving occupational therapy into a continuing and significant role in hospitals. AOTA also worked with colleges and universities throughout the United States to create professional-level courses of study to assure a high quality of practitioner in the field.
In 1931, AOTA created the first national registry for qualified occupational therapy practitioners, guaranteeing a singular, credible resource for the profession. This accomplishment followed closely on the publication of the first official educational standards for qualified occupational therapy professionals.
Over the years, AOTA has helped move occupational therapy out of its original hospital or sanitarium settings to areas of practice that serve individuals with nearly every imaginable disability or impairment. In 1958, AOTA’s leadership led to the creation of the certified occupational therapy assistant. This new role allowed for greater service delivery options and for expanded roles for occupational therapy itself in allied health care.
AOTA has been one of the primary forces for the advancement of clinical research as the means to build the knowledge base of the profession. This function has helped create a growing heritage of progress and innovation for practitioners in every setting. In 1964, the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) was formed to encourage and support clinical research in the field. Its offices house the Wilma L. West Library, a major national resource for researchers, practitioners, and students.
Over the years, AOTA has advocated for the occupational therapy profession on Capitol Hill and in state capitals throughout the country. And through its Annual Conference & Expo, books and periodicals, Continuing Education, and more, AOTA continues to provide the resources and expertise critical to the success of the profession.
Looking ahead to 2017 when AOTA will mark its centennial year, the Association began a process in May 2005 to create a centennial vision for the profession. The Association’s Representative Assembly approved the 2017 Centennial Vision (see Related Content at right) in April 2006, and AOTA’s leadership is moving forward with a strategic plan based on that vision.
Today, AOTA represents nearly 42,000 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students. The Association provides a broad array of services and benefits that help its members excel in their profession.
Adapted from The 1992 American Occupational Therapy Association Calendar, AOTA, 1991.