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Advocacy Center

Join the Movement & Strengthen the Voice of Occupational Therapy 

Together, we can create lasting change. ConnOTA is committed to advocating at the state and federal levels to protect & advance the profession, ensuring your practice thrives. Join our advocacy efforts & be the driving force in strengthening occupational therapy across Connecticut. 

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Our Advocacy Mission & Priorities 
Advocacy Timeline: Tracking Our Impact
State & National Partners 
Classroom to Advocacy Resource
Advocacy Tools & Resources 
Ways to Get Involved 
Common Questions (FAQ) 

Our Advocacy Mission & Priorities

ConnOTA leads the charge to ensure the profession of Occupational Therapy remains modern, accessible, and protected in Connecticut. Our advocacy is focused on two primary pillars:

1. Joining the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact
ConnOTA is advocating for Connecticut to join the interstate agreement that creates a pathway for OTs and OTAs to practice in all member states. 

  • Professional Mobility: Increases flexibility for practitioners moving between states.
  • Continuity of Care: Ensures uninterrupted service for clients, including via telehealth.
  • Workforce Support: Addresses provider shortages and expands access to therapy.

2. Modernizing the CT Occupational Therapy Practice Act 
Connecticut’s current Practice Act was last updated in 1978. Modernizing this act ensures:

  • Evidence-Based Standards: Clients receive care that reflects 21st-century practice.
  • Role Clarity: Better definitions for the roles of OTs and OTAs.
  • Reduced Barriers: Removing outdated language that prevents practitioners from meeting diverse client needs.  

Advocacy Timeline: Tracking Our Impact

Advocacy is a marathon. We track our progress year-over-year to keep members informed. 

State & National Partners

Connecticut's Voice in AOTA's Representative Assembly

Through ConnOTA’s state RA representative, Connecticut has a direct voice in AOTA’s Representative Assembly (RA)—the national decision-making body that sets professional standards and policies for occupational therapy. While our state representative ensures Connecticut’s perspectives are heard, the RA’s work shapes policy, practice, education, and research at the national level, impacting the entire profession.

As a member, you can submit a Request for Action (RFA) to influence discussions on critical issues. Your ideas can help drive meaningful change for occupational therapy nationwide. Get involved & make an impact beyond Connecticut!

What Can You Do?

As an occupational therapist, occupational therapy assistant, or future occupational therapy practitioner, your voice matters! Here’s how you can get involved & make an impact beyond Connecticut:

  • Stay Informed – Follow AOTA Representative Assembly activities on the AOTA website to stay updated on key discussions and decisions.
  • Speak Up – Have ideas about the profession? Submit a Request for Action (RFA) to bring important issues to the table.
  • Connect Locally, Influence Nationally – Reach out to your CT AOTA Representative Assembly member to share your perspective and learn how you can play a role in shaping policies that affect the future of occupational therapy.

Your engagement can help influence decisions that shape the profession—get involved today!

Classroom to Advocacy Resource

Connecting Classroom Learning to Real-World Advocacy

This resource is designed to supplement academic instruction by providing real-world advocacy examples and teaching tools. It supports educators and students in meeting ACOTE standards related to advocacy and policy issues while strengthening connections between the classroom and professional practice.

Classroom to Advocacy Resource

Advocacy Resources

Connecticut Legislative Resources

Connecticut General Assembly (CGA) – Official website for state legislation, bill tracking, committee schedules, and legislator contact information.

Find Your Legislators – Look up CT state senators and representatives by town or district.

How a Bill Becomes Law in Connecticut – Overview of the legislative process in Connecticut.

CT General Assembly Committees – Identify committees related to healthcare, education, and labor policy that impact OT.

CT Secretary of the State’s Civic Engagement Initiatives – Guides on advocacy and state government.

Capitol Information and Tours – Gain a firsthand look at where policy decisions are made. 

Make the Most of Your Capitol Tour – Tips on confidently advocating for the occupational therapy profession. 

Occupational Therapy & Advocacy Resources

ConnOTA Advocacy Center (you are here) – Updates on legislative priorities, action alerts, and advocacy tools.

AOTA Legislative Action Center – National policy updates, resources, and guidance for advocacy

AOTA Representative Assembly (RA) – Learn about Connecticut’s voice in shaping national OT policies

AOTA Hill Day – Opportunities to engage with policymakers at the federal level.

NBCOT Advocacy Resources – Information on certification and professional standards.

Practical Advocacy Tools

Legislative Action Alerts (ConnOTA & AOTA) – Stay alert to both state and federal OT-related bills & advocacy activities. Monitor Connecticut legislation through ConnOTA & national policy changes through AOTA to take action when needed.

Advocacy Capacity Questionnaire (members only) – Assess your advocacy skills, identify growth areas, & build confidence to drive meaningful change.

Advocacy Toolkit (members only) – Strengthen your advocacy skills, communicate OT’s impact, & navigate policy, community, & workplace advocacy with confidence.

Connecticut Department of Public Health Scope of Practice Process – Understand how scope of practice changes are reviewed.

Promotional Display Materials

ConnOTA is developing a variety of promotional materials designed to raise awareness of the vital role occupational therapy plays in our communities.

If you are hosting an event & would like materials, we’re happy to help! ConnOTA can personalize & adapt content to align with your audience, goals, & event theme.

In the meantime, we invite you to explore some of the materials we have already created. For more information or to request customized support, please reach out to us at [email protected]

We’re here to help amplify the voice of occupational therapy across Connecticut!

Occupational Therapy in Every Policy Conversation -- Flyers that raise awareness of OT’s role in addressing key issues in Connecticut legislation.

Occupation Wall -- An interactive activity to showcase the meaning of occupation in occupational therapy.

Occupational Therapy Duck Quote -- A playful quote to accompany a rubber duck giveaway, highlighting OT’s everyday impact.

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Ways to Get Involved

Attend Legislative Events

Join ConnOTA’s Legislative Action Nights, Advocacy Chats, & Hill Day, as well as AOTA’s Hill Day to engage with policymakers & advocate for OT. Link to events page?

Volunteer with ConnOTA’s Government Affairs Team

Support advocacy by tracking legislation, writing letters, & raising awareness about key policy issues. ([email protected])

Join ConnOTA’s OT Mental Health Coalition

Collaborate with CT occupational therapy practitioners to stay informed on mental health trends, identify advocacy opportunities, & promote OT’s role in mental health. ([email protected])

Stay Connected

Follow ConnOTA on social media for updates on advocacy efforts, events, and opportunities to get involved.

Contact Us

Reach out to [email protected] to ask questions, volunteer, or share your advocacy story. Your voice matters!

Q&A 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Connecticut a direct access state for occupational therapy services?

A: Yes. Connecticut is a direct access state, meaning occupational therapists can provide services without a physician’s referral. While state law does not require a referral, some insurance companies and payer sources may have their own referral requirements—so it’s important to verify coverage policies.

Additionally, per the AOTA Code of Ethics, if a client presents with healthcare concerns beyond occupational therapy's scope of practice, the practitioner should seek a referral or obtain authorization to share information with the client’s healthcare provider to ensure coordinated care.

Q: If someone approaches me seeking legislative support for a bill, what should I consider?

A: When considering support for a bill, it’s crucial to evaluate its potential impact both within our profession & beyond. Legislative actions can affect policies & practices outside the scope of occupational therapy. Before offering your support, make sure you fully understand the bill’s implications, both positive & negative, and how it aligns with professional ethics & the best interests of those you serve. By engaging with ConnOTA, you can receive essential guidance to ensure your advocacy efforts are informed and aligned with your professional values and responsibilities.

Q: Can occupational therapy practitioners use dry needling in Connecticut?

A: The current OT Practice Act (1978) does not explicitly prohibit occupational therapy practitioners from using dry needling. However, occupational therapy practice has evolved significantly since 1978, when the law was first established. We're currently advocating to modernize the OT Practice Act to include language that reflects these modern techniques, like dry needling, which have become integral to the profession.

While there isn't specific language in our current practice act, it’s essential to check with payer sources, as they may have their own requirements for services to be billable. Nationally, there’s a position paper presenting an official stance for the use of physical agent, mechanical, and instrument-assisted modalities in occupational therapy, including dry needling, and we are working to ensure that our state regulations have inclusionary language to align with these evolving practices.

Q: Does ConnOTA have a lobbyist?

A: Yes! ConnOTA partners with a lobbyist to represent our interests at the state level. Our lobbyist works alongside us to advocate for policies that reflect the needs of the occupational therapy profession. This teamwork helps us navigate the legislative process & make sure the voices of OT practitioners are heard by lawmakers. Together, we work to advance changes that can positively shape the future of our practice & profession.

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 Contact Us at [email protected]