Welcome to ConnOTA:
The Connecticut Occupational Therapy Association
Your Community. Your Voice. Your Impact.
We’re the launchpad for Connecticut occupational therapy practitioners, students, and advocates driving real change. Powered by volunteers, we advance advocacy, innovation, and growth—responding to society’s evolving needs and helping people thrive in daily life.
Get connected
- Access tools, continuing ed, and career-building resources
- Stay in the know on policy changes and professional trends
- Collaborate with changemakers redefining occupational therapy in schools, healthcare, and communities
Be part of the movement...
Scroll down for our Interest Survey, Advocacy Alerts, & More
ConnOTA Interest Survey
ConnOTA is you—a community shaped by its members. Your voice drives our work, so please take the survey and help guide the future of OT in Connecticut. This survey is for current members, future members, & anyone interested in the growth and impact of occupational therapy in our state.
AOTA Advocacy Alert
Advocacy Works — Section 504 Remains Protected
Earlier this year, a lawsuit filed by 17 states threatened to undermine Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act—a foundational civil rights protection for people with disabilities. In a powerful win for students & families nationwide, those states have officially withdrawn their claim that Section 504 is unconstitutional.
This outcome is a direct result of the strategic, coordinated advocacy led by AOTA in partnership with the state occupational therapy associations in those 17 states. While Connecticut was not among them, our association stood in solidarity, closely tracking developments & supporting the collective effort to defend access & equity for individuals with disabilities.
This is the power of being connected—state & national associations working together to protect the people & principles we serve.
Why Membership Matters:
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Protects the rights of clients we serve
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Keeps occupational therapy voices at the table during critical policy decisions
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Enables fast, unified responses to state & federal threats
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Strengthens our profession through shared purpose & action
Your membership in ConnOTA & AOTA fuels this kind of advocacy—local voices with national impact.
Advocacy Alert
CMS Ends DSHP/DSIP Funding – ConnOTA Wants to Hear from You
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced it will no longer approve or renew federal funding for Designated State Health Programs (DSHP) and Designated State Investment Programs (DSIP). This decision may directly impact Medicaid-funded services in Connecticut, particularly in behavioral health and community-based care—areas where occupational therapy plays a vital role.
ConnOTA is actively monitoring these developments and their potential effect on OT practice & funding. We encourage members and partners to share how this change could affect your work or the populations you serve.
Please email us at [email protected] to share your perspective.
Learn more from these resources:
AOTA Advocacy Alert
Supporting Educational Services in Connecticut
On March 20th, the President signed an Executive Order directing the closure of the U.S. Department of Education, which could impact key programs like IDEA, ESSA, and Pell Grants, among others, that support both occupational therapy in schools and students in higher education. While this proposal requires congressional approval and is still under discussion, ConnOTA is committed to advocating for the continued support of these critical programs in Connecticut.
We believe in the importance of speaking up. If you see something that could impact occupational therapy services, students, or access to financial resources for future occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants, we encourage you to say something. Your voice matters in protecting these vital services.
Stay informed & get involved! Contact [email protected], visit AOTA’s Legislative Action Center, & read AOTA’s Advocacy News.
Together, we can make a difference.
ConnOTA Advocacy Alerts
Bill Tracking 2025
At ConnOTA, we're tracking key bills during the Connecticut 2025 Legislative Session that could shape the future of our profession. Get involved and help us make a difference by staying informed and taking action. Check out the full list of bills we're watching!
Your voice matters—whether you're supporting, opposing, or raising awareness.
Become informed & make an impact. Reach out to [email protected]
Let’s advocate together!
Modernize CT’s OT Practice Act
Senate Bill 1052: Expanding the scope of OT & OTA practice
2025 Legislative Session: ConnOTA is driving change!
Take Action Today!
Visit our Advocacy Center to stay informed
Write to your legislators using our easy-to-use email templates
Make your voice heard—advocate for OT in Connecticut
Listen to our podcast. Click here to tune in
Get started now! Visit the Advocacy Center
Remove CT OTA & OT Licensing Fees
Senate Bill 1246: An Act Concerning Revenue Items To Implement The Governor's Budget
Removing OT licensing fees could shape the future of our profession.
Attend the Spring Summit to learn more.
Visit our Advocacy Center to stay informed!
