AOTA Immediate Past President's Blog

A graduation speech

Hi all,

It was fantastic to be in New York and be so honored as to speak to the newly graduating occupational therapists at Columbia University. What do you say to new graduates and their families? Of course you need to be brief as everyone wants to get on to the celebrations amongst family and friends. What is so exhilerating is to look out at the faces of eager young therapists who represent various backgrounds, races, ethnicities, and cultures. I was able to speak to each therapist individually prior to the ceremony, even if it was to only learn their name. At the reception, I was able to learn more about their dreams and plans for the future. I left very thankful for the direction our profession is moving and feeling comfortable that our profession with each new generation is in good hands. While they were dreaming about their careers and the way it will emerge, I looked at them and began dreaming about the profession and the direction in which they will lead it. I don't know if graduation speakers leave a lasting impression or if anyone really remembers what was said even five minutes later. It is not important. I just added to their energy and welcomed them to the profession, one that involves taking on a meaningful life of caring.

Penny

A step back in OT History

Hi all,

This month I have been traveling again. I was in Columbus, Ohio at the OSU Hite Symposium, presenting on the topic of leadership (see Marc Shaffer's blog). Then, I was off to New York as I am speaking at the occupational therapy graduation at Columbia University. I decided to combine the trip with a much needed visit with my son in White Plains, New York. Well, in writing my speech for Columbia, I put in a quote from Louis J Haas, who wrote the book Occupational Therapy back in 1925 or something. Well, when I was reading the cover page to get the citation correct, I noticed he set up the Men's Occupational Therapy Program at Bloomingdale Hospital in White Plains, a state psychiatric hospital. While visitng my son, I said, do you mind if we find this hospital and check it out? He was game, so we found New York Hospital on Bloomingdale road and stopped in for a visit. The old buildings were marvelous to see, some rennovated, but many falling down in disrepair.

I found the medical library and met a wonderful librarian who found books and pictures for me to review.  According to a history of the New York Hospital Psychiatric Service written by William Russell covering the period of 1771-1936, Louis J Haas was hired in 1915 as director of occupational therapy. Russell wrote, "Mr. Haas also, by his inventions, his many publications, and his active participation in organizations, exhibits, and other means of promoting occupational therapy, made a notable contribution to the introduction and advancement of this form of treatment in America" (p 424). In the Russell Occupational Therapy Building, he had a printer and bookbinder set-up, along with a fully equipped carpenter shop, a smithy, shops for small metalwork, basketry, caning, weaving, and other crafts.

I took pictures of the Russell building and Sturgis Hall, where the occupational therapy program occurred for women. There the women engaged in basketry, weaving, glove making, dressmaking, painting and pottery. In the Sturgis building there were leaded glass windows with iron inlays of women engaged in these activities. I took pictures of those too.

Pliny Earle, one of the founders of the Moral treatment movement, of which occupational therapy was an instrumental part wrote "Of the means included under the head of moral treatment, manual labor --- useful employment with the hands --- justly claims pre-eminence over all others." I am proud of our heritage and was excited to read the esteem in which occupational therapy was held as part of a humane and respectful way to interact with persons with mental illness. It makes sense now that we fight for our place back in this area of practice and make sure society again is aware of what we have to offer in this world where there is so much insecurity, stress, competition, and loss of meaning.

Penny Moyers Cleveland

AOTA President

Occupational therapy practitioners in the Army

I had a great opportunity to be on a phone call with the occupational therapy practitioners in the army. The practitioners were stationed all over the world. As usual, I probably talked too long. It was great to tell them about what AOTA is doing in the areas of advocacy, science, evidence, and education. With the recent incident in Iraq involving a soldier, who might have had problems with PTSD, killing other US soldiers, it was important to share the Mental Health issues we are working on as a profession. I shared with them our work this past year in helping to get mental health parity legislation passed, where insurance can no longer discriminate against those with mental illness. I also talked about putting input into how mental health parity should be implemented, advocating for coverage of occupational therapy in the community and in outpatient centers. I shared with them the work of the AD HOC committee who are completing work on entry-level competencies for mental health, thus ensuring our educational programs include the appropriate content and experiences. These competencies should be ready soon.

I was asked how the Army occupational therapy practitioners could advocate for the profession. I told them my dream was to have all the military OTs and OTAs be members of AOTA and to have all the civilians occupational therapy practitioners working for the goverment be members as well. We talked about the Member-2-Member campaign and the resources on the AOTA website. With healthcare reform being the topic of the government, advocacy for occupational therapy and for our client's access of our services is a number one priority.

It was a great conversation and l look forward to many others!

Penny Moyers Cleveland

AOTA President

Vist to East Carolina University

Do you believe I went on another trip the weekend after Conference? I was hoping my energy would return, but when I arrived on Thursday evening about 6:30 pm to the hotel, I thought I would just lay down for a few minutes. Next thing I know I wake up with my jacket and shoes still on and look at the hotel clock. It said 9:14. I thought I better get to bed. After brushing my teeth I thought I would call my husband to let him know I arrived safely. My phone said it was 4:00 am. I couldn't believe it! Since I was getting up at 6:00 am I wasn't sure whether to go to bed or just get up. Anyway, I had plenty of energy for the conference "Advancing Occupational Therapy: Linking Research to Practice."

The students presented their research through a combination of posters and presentations. Topics ranged from IADL tasks of older adults, fear of falling, the use of deep pressure vests, etc. I presented on the Centennial Vision and on the Ethics of Competence. The audience was a mix of students, faculty, and practitioners. Very exciting to see the work going on in our profession. I met with the students from ECU after the program and talked to them about their career development beyond graduation, encouraging them to begin exploring their aspirations early so that they will choose the opportunities and development activities to get them where they want to go. I shared that I am always thinking about what I want to do next. I am really thinking about this in earnest now that I have one year left as AOTA President.

It is so reassuring that our practitioners, scientists, and educators of the future are being developed right now. I congratulate all those occupational therapy students, both OT and OTA, who are graduating or getting ready to go out on fieldwork. You will do so much for our profession! I can't wait to watch and perhaps facilitate the careers of those who will take our profession to the next level!

Penny Moyers Cleveland

AOTA President