NJOTA's Statement in Response to Inspire 2023

We are aware of statements and actions that occurred during the AOTA Inspire 2023 conference which caused harm to individuals in attendance and those words continue to reverberate, harming members in the larger OT community. We call upon our national organization (AOTA) to practice critical reflexivity, engage directly and transparently with the membership to take actions to repair the damage caused in the reported incidents at Inspire 2023 and generate solutions that foster inclusivity, belonging, and accountability.
New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association (NJOTA) Board of Directors is committed to standing up against systems, institutions, and structures that perpetuate the oppression of others and cause harm, whether the harm is intentional or unintentional, conscious, or unconscious, covert or overt. Action and accountability are required to develop sustainable changes that dismantle systems of racism and oppression.
NJOTA Board of Directors asks that AOTA provide a clear and detailed description of the complaints made during AOTA Inspire 2023 to offer context to membership for full transparency. Furthermore, AOTA should immediately explain to the membership and the OT community at large what specific actions were taken when the organization “responded promptly, treated seriously, and addressed confidentiality.” We believe that for AOTA to truly be “intentionally inclusive and equitable and embrace diversity in all its forms” AOTA must outline all actions that will be implemented for truth and racial healing specific to the comments made by AOTA past President Carolyn Baum if we are to achieve Vision 2025.

Mission Statement

The New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association strives to provide excellence in educational, legislative, and professional networks and services for our membership, promoting the highest quality care for our clients and the community in the state of New Jersey through maximizing well-being and facilitating participation in everyday activities.

Remembering Norma Jean Quirk

NJOTA wishes to recognize the life and work of Norma Quirk who passed away peacefully at her home on June 4, 2022.  Norma was an occupational therapist for over 40 years and an active member of NJOTA, well remembered by participants of the South Jersey Pediatric Rap Group.

Click here for Full Memorium

AOTA–NBCOT® Joint Initiative: Developing the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact

AOTA and NBCOT staff recently collaborated to write a Health Policy Perspectives column in AJOT regarding the licensure compact initiative.
The article is open to all, so please feel free to share the link with anyone that might be interested.
Click here to read article 

 

2022 Annual Conference

Occupational Therapy: Staying Curious in a Busy World
Saturday, October 22nd, 2022
Rutgers University (Newark)

Thank you to all who attended our annual conference. 

Click Here for a recap!

Special Interests Groups

The NJOTA special interest groups exist to help practitioners network, share information and expertise, and generally monitor best practice in particular practice areas. They are only as successful as the participants make them. Groups can be started and supported by NJOTA; just contact the Chairs of the Practice Committee.
Membership in the SIGs is a benefit of membership in NJOTA.
Click here for more information