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...
AOTA Advocacy Alert, Protecting OT, Motivated Morning Takeaways, Advocacy Alerts, & More
We’re a busy, engaged community with frequently updated content. Be sure to check back often so you don’t miss out on the latest opportunities & updates.
AOTA Advocacy Alerts
Urgent: Federal Policy Changes Affecting Occupational Therapy
Federal policy changes announced on November 18th could have a direct and lasting impact on occupational therapy education—and on the future of our workforce. Proposed federal student loan limits may significantly restrict how OT and OTA students finance their education, potentially reducing access to our programs and weakening the pipeline of future practitioners.
Shifts in ESSA Oversight That Could Reshape School Practice
New interagency agreements from the Department of Education propose shifting ESSA-related general education programs to the Department of Labor. This raises important questions about how school-based services—and the role of OT practitioners—will be supported and governed moving forward.
Take Action Now
This moment calls for immediate action. The decisions being made right now will shape the future of OT education and practice, and your voice is essential. Reaching out to your legislators takes only minutes—and you do not need to be an advocacy expert to make an impact.
AOTA provides clear, pre-written messages that you can send as-is or personalize. Your quick response today can help protect our profession for years to come.
One Simple Step to Make Your Voice Heard
Use the AOTA Legislative Action Center to contact your legislators.
Inform Yourself With Trusted Resources
A Unifying Message for Our Profession
Together, we can help shape the future of occupational therapy. Your voice is powerful—and needed now more than ever.
Protecting Occupational Therapy Starts with You!
For just a few dollars a month, you help safeguard a profession that transforms lives — and in Connecticut, your membership directly powers real, measurable wins.
What ConnOTA accomplished this year because members showed up:
- Protected OT scope of practice by blocking attempts from other professions to claim core OT domains — protecting your license, your role, and your future.
- Reversed harmful reimbursement changes, including the proposed Anthem BCBS cap that would have restricted access and strained private practices. Advocacy worked — the policy was paused statewide.
- Expanded mental and behavioral health resources, providing practitioners with tools, billing guidance, and equity-focused strategies through ConnOTA’s Mental & Behavioral Health Guide.
- Supported national OT victories, including protecting Section 504 and OT’s role in educational access.
- Delivered high-value professional development, supporting licensure requirements and continued competence — at a fraction of the cost of most CE options.
Why This Matters
These wins shape the profession you work in — or are preparing to enter — and they protect our:
- Clients
- Scope of practice
- Licensure & regulation
- Reimbursement
- Role on interprofessional teams
None of this happens automatically. It happens because we choose to stand together.
Membership isn’t just dues.
It’s an investment in your career and a commitment to keeping occupational therapy strong, respected, and valued in Connecticut.
Small investment. Statewide impact.
A profession worth protecting — and worth joining.
MOTIVATED MORNING: Policy & Practice
Thank you Southern Connecticut State University: Occupational Therapy program for partnering with ConnOTA and providing a shared space that supports our profession! We were grateful to spend the morning in conversation with our current & future occupational therapy colleagues & two of Connecticut’s legislative leaders: Rep. Cristin McCarthy-Vahey & Rep. Kathy Kennedy. Their presence and thoughtful engagement made the event especially meaningful.
Throughout the morning, we explored how occupational therapy plays a vital role across healthcare, education, workforce development, mental health, & community well-being—and why OT belongs in every policy discussion.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation
- Relationships matter. Rep. McCarthy-Vahey reminded us that advocacy starts with connection—getting to know your representatives & understanding what resonates with them (yes… even knowing their “legislative love language!”).
- Personal stories make an impact. Both representatives emphasized how meaningful it is to receive personalized letters—especially when they reflect our specific practice settings & the people we serve.
- Our voice matters. As Rep. Kennedy put it, “You are the boss.” Legislators work for their constituents—our insight & advocacy carry real weight. She was especially energized to learn more about licensure fees and how they affect the workforce.
- Compacts are a priority. With Connecticut processing roughly one compact per year, advancing the Occupational Therapy Interstate Compact is essential for addressing workforce shortages & improving access to care.
- Advocacy has a framework. We discussed four key pillars for effective advocacy: Connect. Know your audience. Build relationships. Be yourself.
- OT must show up in nontraditional spaces. We spoke about the importance of engaging beyond typical OT circles—whether in workforce meetings, education coalitions, or community forums—to highlight our profession’s value.
- Pipeline matters. How can we collaborate with high schools to ensure students know OT is a fulfilling, impactful career path?
- New ideas are emerging. Special thanks to Corrine for sparking the idea of creating an advocacy subcommittee to strengthen our grassroots efforts and elevate OT voices across the state.
Where We're Headed
We left the morning energized, united, & determined to move our profession forward—beginning with ConnOTA’s top priorities:
- Modernizing Connecticut’s outdated 1978 Scope of Practice so it reflects today’s and tomorrow's occupational therapy, and
- Joining the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact to strengthen our workforce and expand access to care.
If you’re ready to get more involved—whether through writing letters, connecting with your representatives, or joining future advocacy efforts—we’d love to have you with us. Email [email protected]
Together, we can ensure occupational therapy is represented wherever policies impact the lives of Connecticut residents.
New Member Value: New England Collaborative!
ConnOTA is proud to be part of the New England Collaborative with our colleagues in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, & Vermont. This partnership brings you more professional development, networking, & shared resources across the region.
As a ConnOTA member, you now have access to special benefits — including discounted registration at events like the Maine OT Association Fall Conference on October 4, 2025 (UNE Portland, in-person & virtual). Check out our Events Center for details.
This is just one more reason to be part of ConnOTA — your membership connects you to opportunities across all of New England!
ConnOTA Advocacy Alerts
Update on Efforts to Modernize CT’s OT Practice Act
Senate Bill 1052 did not advance during CT's 2025 legislative session -- joining over 90% bills that stalled.
Now’s the time to ramp up advocacy and raise awareness during the off-session!
Want to help organize events or learn how to get involved?
Stay tuned or reach out to us!
Visit the Advocacy Center to learn more.
Email us at [email protected]
Important Update: Governor Signs OT/OTA Licensure Fee Legislation into Law!
We are excited to share that Public Act 23-168 has been signed into law by the Governor, eliminating initial licensure fees for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in Connecticut. This is a meaningful win for our profession and a step toward reducing financial barriers for those entering practice.
It is important to note that during the legislative process, the language regarding licensure fees was updated. The final law applies only to initial licensure, so renewal fees for existing licensees remain in effect. While this is disappointing, it also highlights a clear area for continued advocacy.
ConnOTA will continue to monitor implementation and keep members informed of ways to engage as we work toward policies that further support OTs and OTAs in Connecticut.
