AOTA Immediate Past President's Blog

Vision during this tough economy

What does it mean to have vision?

Never has this question been tested than it has been during this economy. I am learning very quickly that dealing with the everyday concerns this economy raises can quickly side track a vision, like our Centennial Vision. This tough economy takes it toll on leaders and their leadership skills. But, we cannot succomb to these pressures and we must keep going forward. I have been having talks with various state association presidents and I can make several observations. One, we must support our leaders in as many ways as is possible. We cannot let them feel they are left to make everything work with little help from members. How can we provide this support? We can maintain our membership in both state associations and in AOTA. We can attend meetings and conferences of our state associations and AOTA. We can e-mail our leaders and tell them what a good job they are doing. We can offer to help with specific suggestions on what one could do. It is not helpful to say, "call me if you need help." Then the leader has to remember who said that and plus the leader has to figure out what you might do. Instead, say, "I know about strategic planning and would be glad to help you (state president) work with others to develop our state strategic plan." Don't be quick to criticize. We are all doing more with less. Instead, express a concern based on clear data and then offer to help resolve the problem. Problem-solvers are appreciated, but critics can be inadvertently harmful in that the leader might be ready to give up. Bolster, mentor, support, collaborate. These strategies help all of us proceed on our Centennial Vision journey.

In this environment where there is plenty of gloom and doom, a good leader with help from members does the following:

1. Sensing opportunities in relationship to the threats in the environment (for example, doing more with less means we can become laserfocused and deliberative in selecting those things we should do that would have the most impact on achievement of the Vision)

    a. This sensing requires the skill of understanding complex situations (that takes input from many voices!!!)

    b. Forseeing events that will both positively and negatively affect our organizations (we all must be visionary so that we can learn from each other)

2. Setting strategic directions (we must be open to offering many innovative ideas, even though they might not be selected)

    a. Encouraging new ways of doing things that are more efficient and effective

    b. Using technology to increase the participation of everyone in making decisions and presenting ideas and opinions (Look what Obama accomplished!)

    c. Keeping the big picture in mind as we make decisions (this is the hard part in this economy)

3. Inspiring members

    a. Challenging the status quo (the opportunity is that the economy forces us to do things different, which may lead to great things!)

    b. Being open to new ways of doing things (for example, OT Connections clearly offers many ways of doing business!)

    c. Inspiring others to look beyond limitations (That is thinking big, being persistent, and working with others for support)

Please provide input on my thoughts. Get involved. Your leaders need you!

Penny Moyers Cleveland

AOTA President

Living Life

The Brand Bus is Moving Along!

Living Life to Its fullest! That is what we help our clients do!

AND THAT IS THE MESSAGE OF AOTA’S NEW BRAND FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY EXPRESSED IN THE POSTER YOU AS A MEMBER RECEIVED WITH YOUR OT PRACTICE MAGAZINE January 19. (SEE LINK BELOW)

I work with families who are coping with HIV/AIDS by conducting an occupation-based support group. These families live in supported housing and have little income left after paying for their medications, food, and rent to engage in activities that are enjoyable and healthy. Many cannot leave the complex because of lack of access to transportation. As a group we raise money to partially support our activities. We have gone to movies, made a trip to the Aquarium in Atlanta, had picnics, gone to Alabama Adventureland, etc. I want to share a story of one gentleman who when he joined our group was extremely ill and malnourished. He had been homeless and developed full-blown AIDS. He was alone and even though he was happy to have housing and better access to healthcare, he did not have anything to occupy his time so he became very depressed and felt hopeless.

His first experience with us was going bowling, which he had not done in over 20 years. He was so thin that I was worried whether he would have the strength to throw the ball without going down the alley with it! Needless to say, as a good OT I did modify his activity. He laughed and talked with others for the first time. Group members commented that they had yet to see him talk, let alone laugh. After that, he came to group regularly and organized follow-up activities outside of the support group, becoming a leader for the housing community. Eventually, his health was such he went back to work and was able to obtain his own appartment outside of the housing complex. He told me the group, the accepting community atmosphere, and the activities "saved his life."

I know that all of you have stories about how occupational therapy contributes to the quality of life of those who have received our services.

LOOK AT THE FACES IN THE POSTER AND CONNECT TO WHAT OT DID TO HELP BRING OUT THOSE BIG SMILES.  WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE? DO YOU RECOGNIZE YOUR CLIENTS IN THE PHOTOS? 

AOTA WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU.  Please share your stories, while of course protecting confidentiality, so that you can help AOTA continue to develop its brand and branding. We want to associate real people with each of the smiling faces. I see the support group member's face in this poster where he was genuinely delighted with the possibilities. He was smiling with his eyes. His glass was filling and he actually had healthy ways to occupy his time outside of the housing complex.

I am anticipating your participation! COMMENT ON MY BLOG OR SEND AN EMAIL TO LivingLife@aota.org. I know we will all be moved by our own therapeutic power in helping people live life to its fullest.

Penny Moyers Cleveland
AOTA President

Oh my Aching Feet!

Just one question. How can you dance at the Michigan ball when your feet have given out because of walking to and from the day's inaguration events (plus I don't walk well anyway)? Amy Lamb, our AOTPAC chair, AOTA member Susan Harris, and staff members Ralph Kohl and Tim Nanof joined me and my husband Frank at this wonderful conclusion of a very exciting day on Tuesday, January 20th. Susan's and Amy's husbands were also there. AOTA was one of the sponsors of the ball and it was exciting to see our name printed in the fancy, gold program along with ASHA, Blue Care Network, Henry Ford Health System, Michingan Health and Hospital Association, Michigan's University Research Corridor, Pfizer Inc., and St. John Health, to name a few. We saw the Governor, Jennifer Granholm and the Michigan Senator, Debbie Shabenow. Amy, Tim, and Ralph met other congressman and senators, but by then I had to sit down. Frank and I sat at a table with a young man and his date. He worked for Congressman Bart Stupak of MI and his date told me her mom was an occupational therapist in Colorado! What a small world, you know that 2 degrees of separation. It just goes to show that when occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants work together, we have influence by the people we collectively know.

The ball was fabulous with the excellent music and Michigan food. It was held at the National Museum of American History, which was fun to walk around (in my case, limp around) and see some of the exhibits. Of course getting to the ball was another one of those Penny adventure stories. The parade went longer than expected so many of the streets downtown DC were still closed. When it became clear that our cab was not going to get us there, we jumped out and headed for the metro station. Good thing Tim Nanof was with Frank and I or we would not have known what to do. We walked about three blocks in the cold (I know, I am a southern girl now) to the orange line and got off at the Smithsonian. We met up in the subway with many other beautifully dressed couples on their way to the ball as well. They thought we knew where we were going so we started a let's follow them line. Well, we didn't really know but stoped and asked workers who were out cleaning the streets and the parking lots left with debris from the throngs of people who came to the inauguration. They were very helpful, so we didn't let the people of Michigan down!

We have some great pictures, so check out the galleries portion of OT Connections under OT Events, 2009 Inauguration. I might add that we all looked great in our ball finery. Another question, what did I wear? Did I get my luggage? The luggage actually arrived when we were getting ready, so I did not have to wear borrowed clothes!!

Well, I am back home, left this morning. I am happy to say that the travel went smoothly and the luggage went with us. Although, both our bags were overweight due to all the extra cosmetics and clothes we bought. (I am going to write a letter about this!) Anyway, back to work at hand both at AOTA and UAB! I will never forget my experiences during this historical event for our country. Thank you AOTA members and all who donate to AOTPAC and our Legislative Defense Fund for making this possible for us to represent occupational therapy at a time when healthcare reform is high on our nation's agenda.

Penny Moyers Cleveland

AOTA President

Braving the crowds in DC

Well,

We are finally on our way to hear the Inaugural address from our soon-to-be President Barack Obama. We are being hosted by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. We will be viewing everything from a rooftop on Constitution Ave. It will be thrilling to be part of this historical event. I have my camera ready to take shots of the crowds and of interesting groups of people representing various health-care associations. I will be joined by Amy Lamb, our AOTAPAC chair, Susan Harris, an AOTA member who won the PAC drawing, and staff members Chris Metzler and Tim Nanof. It is very cold for this transplanted Iowa girl who now lives in Alabama. The south has been easy for me to get used to the mild climate. But, I am prepared. I have a coat that is like wearing heavy fur (it is fake), a woolen hat, gloves, and a scarf. Hopefully, I will stay warm. It almost doesn't matter as we will huddle together and enjoy the energy charged environment. More later!!!

Penny Moyers Cleveland

President AOTA

On a roof top in DC

Hi everybody,

Just got back from the roof top on constitution avenue. Very cold but inspiring to watch all the exciting events across the street from the Capital. We could see everything, but it was like seeing little dots. But, was able to interact with the President of the American Nurses Association, staff from the American Hospital Association, and the American Nurse Anesthetists Association. Check out the rooftop picture of Amy Lamb, Chris Metzler, Tim Nanof, and Susan Harris and myself during the inauguration (last picture). Tonight we are off to the Michigan Ball. I'm not sure I have much energy left due to having to fight the crowds, looking for a bus, and cabs. The metro was not running this afternoon. We ran across many people who had been walking more than 5 miles and had been out since 2:00 in the morning. It is amazing the lengths people went to stand on the mall and watch the big screen TVs to see this historic occasion. More later. Immediately below is the picture of myself with Senator Amy Klobucher from MN. In the next picture, Senator Debbie Shabenow from MI is pictured on the left with myself and AOTA member Susan Harris. 

Penny Moyers

AOTA President

In DC without luggage

Hi everybody,

My husband and I are so excited to be in DC to represent AOTA and our healthcare interests. We had a challenging trip to get here from Birmingham AL due to multiple mechanical problems with planes. Instead of arriving Saturday at noon, it was more like 8:00 pm. Because of the circuitous route, our luggage was lost and to this date still has not been located. Frank and I made a mad dash on Sunday to the Pentagon City Mall to rebuy the necessary clothes to attend events. You know it is hard to think of everything you need in one shopping trip building from the ground up, so to speak. It also takes awhile to get what you need and get back to the hotel. I was rather tired once getting off the subway so we grabbed a "pedi-cab", who was a cyclist who provided this service normally in Denver. I gave him the wrong directions and we ended up going multiple blocks the wrong way. Finally, turned around, our pedi-cab driver did well until he realized he would have to drive us up a huge hill! We got out, and by this time I was late, so I went ahead while Frank stopped at the drug store to get what we needed in terms of hair products, etc.  Well, we managed to get to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee reception dressed in our new outfits. On the way into the reception outside of the Ritz Carlton, I met Congressman Barney Frank from Massachusetts. Inside the reception, I was able to talk to Kay Hagan from North Carolina, Mark Warner from Virginia, Robert Menendez from New Jersey, Harry Reid from Nevada, Josheph Lieberman from Conneticut, and Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire. All in all, it was a successful experience where Amy Lamb our Political Action Chair and Chris Metzler and Tim Nanof our staff worked the room quite effectively. It so much fun to talk to our senators and have them indicate they know who we are and are aware of our healthcare issues.

This morning, dressed in the same outfit I bought and wore last night with different shoes and jewlery borrowed from Amy and Chris, I accompanied our group to the DSCC Leadership Circle Breakfast at the historical Willard Hotel. Chris Metzler told me that people trying to influence President Lincoln would hang out in the lobby, thus the term lobbyist was born. The breakfast was another opportunity to meet with senators. At my table Max Baucus from MT sat by me and remembered Chris Metzler and AOTA. I also met Chritopher Dodd from CN, and Amy Klobucher from MN, Debbie Shabenow from MI, and John Tester from MT.

We left the breakfast and went to the Library of Congress to the Michigan reception and to pick up our tickets to the Michigan Ball. Chris and I were able to sneak a letter of thanks regarding the passage of the licensure law for occupational therapy to the Governor, Jennifer Granholm. I hope to talk to her longer at the Ball on Tuesday evening. As I was leaving the reception, I ran into Carl Levin, the Senator from MI.

Now, back at the hotel, we are continuing to locate the luggage, we've been told our bags ended up in Charlottesville VA and then were flown back to Charlotte NC and now they are at the DCA airport in Washington. They don't know when they will deliver them, but for some reason they keep wanting to deliver them to my home address in AL!! We keep giving them the hotel address, so your guess is as good as mine if the bags will show up here or at home. Chris Metzler is bringing me some slacks to wear tonight and tomorrow. We wear the same size shoes and clothes.

Well, I am glad to work on spreading the word regardless of not having my luggage. It is so worth it to be here!!

Talk to you soon.

Penny Moyers Cleveland

AOTA President

On my way to the Presidential Inauguration

Hi all,

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to attend some events in Washington DC in honor of our incoming President Obama. This is an important lobbying opportunity to interact with our senators and congressmen and to generally spread the word about occupational therapy and our role in healthcare reform. I am so committed to see us represented at every opportunity to make sure we have friends in our government who understand how we serve the nation in terms of our impact on people's quality of lives. I am attending using some of my own funds so that I can also be fiscally responsible during these economic times given its impact on AOTA.  AOTA membership supports this great work. So, membership is vital to what we can accomplish at the Federal level during this cruicial time of healthcare reform. Spread the word to those who are not members. I am very serious about enacting the word powerful in our centennial vision.

I will be blogging regularly, if possible, to share with you the excitement and how Amy Lamb, your AOTPAC Chair, and I and the staff have been able to spread the word and to make longlasting supporters of occupational therapy. I will be in Washington Saturday the 17- Wednesday the 21st. I would love to hear comments about my experiences and any suggestions as we go forward to enact our advocacy activities.

Penny Moyers Cleveland