From inspiring messages to film screenings and game night, INSPIRE is more than professional development—it’s a chance to remember why you’re part of the occupational therapy profession. Keep reading to learn about all of our special events and general sessions.
Looking for more on our educational sessions? Explore the rest of our program here.
None of us knows what we’re capable of until we’re faced with a tough or unexpected challenge. Often this means having to adjust your dream or vision and sometimes even to create an entirely new goal. It can also mean getting through a tough time a week, day, hour, or even minute at a time. By focusing on shorter term goals and keeping optimism (and even humor) at the forefront, your entire outlook and perspective can be transformed. We are all stronger and more resilient than we think. In facing challenges and recovering from setbacks, we have new opportunities to develop the unique gifts that have been given to us. It’s about being able to become more what you can envision at the moment. Join JR for this inspiring and recharging opening keynote presentation.
JR Martinez
Thursday, April 23, 11:15 am–12:30 pm
In today’s evolving workplace and society, occupational therapy practitioners and students are charged with meeting the wide-ranging needs of communities while navigating increasing demands, systemic stressors, and personal burnout. This Lela Llorens Lecture presentation introduces the Conscious CARE framework, a values-based approach grounded in compassion, awareness, reflection, and embodiment to promote personal and workforce well-being. Participants will explore how cultivating internal alignment strengthens our collective capacity to engage more fully, ethically, and sustainably in the workplace and beyond.
Douglene Jackson, PhD, OTR/L, LMT, ATP, CYT, FAOTA
Thursday, April 23, 2:30 pm–3:30 pm
How do we confront the formidable and deeply complex reality of the opioid epidemic? How have opioids claimed not only lives, but the wellbeing and futures of countless individuals and communities? And most importantly—what can we do to help?
This is Different, a filmed theatrical production, brings to life the voices of 20 individuals who have experienced opioid use disorder. Through their stories, the production illuminates the shared humanity at the heart of the crisis and invites viewers into a powerful exploration of meaning, healing, and connection. Join us for this 60-minute film, to be followed by a moderated panel discussion with the audience.
Sally Wasmuth, PhD, OTR, Associate Professor, School of Health & Human Sciences, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
Khalilah R. Johnson, PhD, MS, OTR/L, Assistant Professor, Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
Halley Read, PhD, OTR/L, Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy, Western Oregon University
Victoria G. Wilburn, DHSc, OTR, FAOTA, State Representative, Associate Professor, School of Health & Human Sciences, Indiana University, Indianapolis
Thursday, April 23, 4:00 pm–5:30 pm
Join us for a fun and relaxing early evening with “Fun with AOTPAC”! This hour-long event is all about trivia, laughter, and connection. Unwind after your day and enjoy a lighthearted time with friends and colleagues while supporting the important work of AOTPAC. Come ready for friendly competition, shared laughs, and a chance to connect with fellow occupational therapy professionals. It’s the perfect way to recharge, network, and have fun together! The cost to attend is a contribution to AOTPAC to support its political purposes. Contributions are voluntary, and refusal does not affect an AOTA member’s rights and not tax deductible for federal purposes.
Tickets: $15 (personal funds only)
Thursday, April 23, 5:30 pm–6:30 pm
Join AOTA President Arameh Anvarizadeh for her highly anticipated presidential address where she will share her powerful vision for unifying and reimagining the occupational therapy profession. Her message centers on her foundational Presidential 4 C’s: Community, Connection, Coalition-building, and Courage. President Anvarizadeh will articulate why every distinct specialty, practice setting, and professional background is an essential and valuable part of the whole. Join her in this vital call to action, to move beyond re-envisioning and take bold steps toward building a more visible, united, and resilient future for the occupational therapy profession.
Arameh Anvarizadeh, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Friday, April 24, 11:30 am–12:15 pm
A two-time pediatric brain tumor and stroke survivor, the story of Kelsey’s journey back and her relationship with her occupational therapists along the way, is both remarkable and inspiring. Kelsey gives an amazing patient account, while offering a unique and actionable message on gratitude and perspective. Her story is an important reminder of the difference occupational therapy practitioners make in the lives of their patients every day. Armed with her quirky sense of humor, engaging stories and relevant message, Kelsey equips health care teams with the tools to foster empathy, strengthen relationships, and approach their work with renewed gratitude and a revitalized sense of purpose.
Kelsey Tainsh, CSP
Friday, April 24, 2:15 pm–3:15 pm
Join us for a fun and relaxing evening with your friends and colleagues while supporting AOTPAC and AOTA’s advocacy efforts! There will be music, dancing, a photo booth, and celebration. It is the place to be Friday evening! Snacks and a cash bar will be available. Join us Friday night for an exciting evening to remember.
Tickets: $50; $25 for students (personal funds only, please)
The cost is a contribution to AOTPAC to support its political purposes.
Friday, April 24, 8:30 pm–11:00 pm
The paradox of the weary healer explores the internal conflict experienced by people in caregiving professions. It’s a struggle many can relate to between the compassionate desire to help others and the personal toll it takes on the individuals leading to exhaustion and burnout. Occupational therapy practitioners are experts in helping others live a balanced life but often struggle with their own work life balance. A number of factors contribute to this from the systemic pressures of high caseloads, administrative burdens, productivity demands to the emotional toll of this empathetic work. The inherent irony of teaching clients to listen to their bodies and pace themselves whilst as practitioners, we push past own limits is a matter of professional integrity and effective practice.
In this International Breakfast presentation, drawing from her personal and professional experience, Odeth will explore the science of rest as a meaningful occupation and offer practical strategies that will support occupational therapy practitioners to care for themselves, just as they would for a client.
Odeth Richardson, BSc, MSc, PG Cert, – Chair, Royal College of Occupational Therapists
Saturday, April 25, 9:00 am–10:30 am
Assessment in occupational therapy is complex. While measuring human experience is necessary, it’s not always clear how to choose the right tool or how the data truly informs our work. This Slagle Award address explores how we can move past simple scores to a truly collaborative process where patients, care partners, and practitioners co-administer, interpret, and use assessment data. Learn how a relationship-centered approach to assessment can overcome current challenges, address social injustices, and co-create treatment plans that authentically support shared occupational performance goals.
Trudy Mallinson, PhD, OTR/L, FACRM, FAOTA, NZROT
Saturday, April 25, 11:15 am–12:30 pm
Each year, AOTA and AOTF recognize and honor our colleagues who have made significant contributions to enrich the profession of occupational therapy. Feel the excitement and be inspired during this year’s engaging ceremony, as we publicly unveil the winners of AOTA’s and AOTF’s most prestigious awards.
This ceremony is immediately followed by the Awards Reception.
Saturday, April 25, 4:15 pm–5:15 pm
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814-6519
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is the national professional association established in 1917 to represent the interests and concerns of occupational therapy practitioners and students of occupational therapy and to improve the quality of occupational therapy services.
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