From: Holly Hendryx <bounce-hhendryx@aota.org>Subject: Re: [general] Membership and OT IssuesTo: jbossemelgosa@sbcglobal.netDate: Saturday, March 21, 2009, 5:10 PM I appreciate the information shared in this thread ... I am new graduate with 7 months experience with my first employer. Knowing a number of my fellow coworkers are not members of AOTA, I approached my supervisor and asked if I could do an informal presentation on the benefits of AOTA as there are a lot of new & exciting things happening. The response I received was that I could do the presentation, but my supervisor would not attend because she's not interested in being a member of AOTA. (She also shared the Rehab Director who is an OT is not a member either.) I was surprised at her response, but recovered and introduced another idea of having a table set up in the cafeteria to reach a broader audience. I would still like to subtlety educate my fellow OTs -- any one with thoughts or ideas from their own workplace experiences? From: Joanne <bounce-melgosa@aota.org>Sent: 3/13/2009 10:42:26 PM I totally agree. I remember treating a Parkinson's pt in a SNF several years ago. I helped her use a walker to get into the bathroom to brush her teeth... no problem. Then she could not turn around to get out. We must have taken another 30 minutes or so to turn around and get back to her bed. Later that day I asked her PT if she could work on turning around, as she had given glowing reports about how far this patient could walk down the hall. The PT laughed at me. The poor patient could walk all day in a straight line, but had no functional mobility whatsoever. You have encountered the same problem I've seen. We have to make sure our ability to teach patients how to do functional tasks is maintained.
From: Joanne <bounce-melgosa@aota.org>Sent: 3/13/2009 10:42:26 PM
Joanne
Hello all - I just found the Member-to-Member (M2M) Toolkit at AOTA's website. The link is http://www.aota.org/Benefits/M2M.aspx. This is a great resource for reaching out to my fellow professionals! I just wanted to share for those who are interested in this topic.
Sal - I don't believe we've met before! Thanks for your post.
I also agree. I am a student currently and I assumed it was mandated by AOTA to become a member because all of the students must subscribe for classes. I know I didn't use it when I first became a member but now I use the resources all the time for all of my classes and research I am interested in. I will continue to be an active member. This is also a topic we recently discussed in one of my classes and we were all surprised to see the low percentage of practicing therapists who are actually members. I also would like to see OTs from all over the U.S. become members if they aren't already. I don't think that many of the non-members realize or have any idea about the benefits and resources he or she have available.
Shelby
I also agree. I am a student currently and I assumed it was mandated by AOTA to become a member because all of the students must subscribe for classes. I know I didn't use it when I first became a member but now I use the resources all the time for all of my classes and research I am interested in. I will continue to be an active member. This is also a topic we recently discussed in one of my classes and we were all surprised to see the low percentage of practicing therapists who are actually members. I also would like to see OTs from all over the U.S. become members if they aren't already. I don't think that many of the non-members realize or have any idea about the benefits and resources he or she have available. Shelby
Hello Forum!!
MY VOTE: make AOTA membership Mandatory like ASHA and SLP's. Mandatory dues will instantly increase our budget and Money, like it or not, will solve many of the problems with our professions visibility, lobby needs, research, and activity. No OT can say they do not make enough money to contribute to the vitality of their own profession. With this money we could employ OTs or even committees to do public activities necessary to build our profession. It is our own fault that the general public doesnt know what we do. Maybe if OTs were forced to pay dues they would be inclined to be more involved...It's the principal TimeShares were based off of. TOTA in Dallas is currently rebuilding our local organization and we parallel the statistics quoted in the
Hello Forum!! MY VOTE: make AOTA membership Mandatory like ASHA and SLP's. Mandatory dues will instantly increase our budget and Money, like it or not, will solve many of the problems with our professions visibility, lobby needs, research, and activity. No OT can say they do not make enough money to contribute to the vitality of their own profession. With this money we could employ OTs or even committees to do public activities necessary to build our profession. It is our own fault that the general public doesnt know what we do. Maybe if OTs were forced to pay dues they would be inclined to be more involved...It's the principal TimeShares were based off of. TOTA in Dallas is currently rebuilding our local organization and we parallel the statistics quoted in the original message with our TPTA counterpart. The figures for our TPTA counterpart blow us away. I personally would like to see more cross activity between local groups and their larger counterparts....and maybe it's time we joined forces with PTs.. after all the healthcare reform issues will affect us all. I'll be leading GSIS August on "The Direction of OT reflecting on Current Health Care Legislation". Get up to date on Bills being passed, voice your concerns for OT future (including lack of membership), and hear what Leaders in OT are telling us about trends....Catch me at "OTDallas under GROUPS " From: Linda M. Hetue <bounce-lindamh@aota.org> Sent: 4/1/2009 9:58:49 AMWithout AOTA listserve, I'm not sure I would have survived my first few jobs! I read all the listserves and just when I said "that isn't important to me" Voila - I had a child with a similar issue. Taking pride in our professional organization and realizing how little our profession is recognized (compared to PT's, RN's etc). This makes it more important than ever to have our organization focused on those issues that affect us since we don't have time and energy to go to the State House or Washington to fight. I graduated just as the BBA (Balanced Budget Act) was enacted. Job offers dropped like a rock. AOTA fought [and continues to fight] to keep OT services when laws are enacted, when Medicare is changed, and when insurance companies refuse to pay for (fill in the blank). Our services are life-changing to our clients. AOTA is life-changing for us by keeping us in the clinics and communities. Attending my first AOTA conference last year was an eye-opener - too many options to get it all in. Exhilarating and overwhelming at the same time!Shelby, Thank you for your comments. There are OT's around the world who want to join AOTA! So why not the OT's in the US also?? Warm regards,LindaOn Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 11:27 PM, shelbz011604 <bounce-shelbz011604@aota.org> wrote: I also agree. I am a student currently and I assumed it was mandated by AOTA to become a member because all of the students must subscribe for classes. I know I didn't use it when I first became a member but now I use the resources all the time for all of my classes and research I am interested in. I will continue to be an active member. This is also a topic we recently discussed in one of my classes and we were all surprised to see the low percentage of practicing therapists who are actually members. I also would like to see OTs from all over the U.S. become members if they aren't already. I don't think that many of the non-members realize or have any idea about the benefits and resources he or she have available. Shelby--View this message online at: http://otconnections.aota.org/forums/p/286/34197.aspx#34197 Linda M. Hetue, OTR/LAOTA / HKOTA / WFOT86 755 2681 7090Shenzhen, China (Hull, MA USA)
MY VOTE: make AOTA membership Mandatory like ASHA and SLP's. Mandatory dues will instantly increase our budget and Money, like it or not, will solve many of the problems with our professions visibility, lobby needs, research, and activity. No OT can say they do not make enough money to contribute to the vitality of their own profession. With this money we could employ OTs or even committees to do public activities necessary to build our profession. It is our own fault that the general public doesnt know what we do. Maybe if OTs were forced to pay dues they would be inclined to be more involved...It's the principal TimeShares were based off of. TOTA in Dallas is currently rebuilding our local organization and we parallel the statistics quoted in the original message with our TPTA counterpart. The figures for our TPTA counterpart blow us away. I personally would like to see more cross activity between local groups and their larger counterparts....and maybe it's time we joined forces with PTs.. after all the healthcare reform issues will affect us all. I'll be leading GSIS August on "The Direction of OT reflecting on Current Health Care Legislation". Get up to date on Bills being passed, voice your concerns for OT future (including lack of membership), and hear what Leaders in OT are telling us about trends....Catch me at "OTDallas under GROUPS "
From: Linda M. Hetue <bounce-lindamh@aota.org> Sent: 4/1/2009 9:58:49 AM
Great post, OTDallas! You wrote everything I was (and have been) thinking, and I could not have worded this any better.
Anti-trust laws prevent AOTA - and as far as I am aware, all health care organizations - from requiring that graduates of educational programs become members of the associations. Membership was originally required of those who became certified by the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board (AOTCB, the forerunner of NBCOT). But since the certification board separated from the association and became an independent entity, membership has been voluntary. There is no way AOTA could enforce required membership. It has no power over right to practice. That power belongs to NBCOT and the state licensure boards.
Anti-trust laws prevent AOTA - and as far as I am aware, all health care organizations - from requiring that graduates of educational programs become members of the associations. Membership was originally required of those who became certified by the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board (AOTCB, the forerunner of NBCOT). But since the certification board separated from the association and became an independent entity, membership has been voluntary. There is no way AOTA could enforce required membership. It has no power over right to practice. That power belongs to NBCOT and the state licensure boards. From: Linda M. Hetue <bounce-lindamh@aota.org>Sent: 8/21/2009 8:26:18 AMCould we put this to a referendum vote - do we need a referendum vote - to make AOTA and local membership mandatory? I'm sure there would be a hue and cry but I think it's time. We've been nice forever - now let's be realistic too. LindaOn Fri, Jul 17, 2009 at 11:15 AM, Michelle McKamy <bounce-OTDallas@aota.org> wrote: Hello Forum!! MY VOTE: make AOTA membership Mandatory like ASHA and SLP's. Mandatory dues will instantly increase our budget and Money, like it or not, will solve many of the problems with our professions visibility, lobby needs, research, and activity. No OT can say they do not make enough money to contribute to the vitality of their own profession. With this money we could employ OTs or even committees to do public activities necessary to build our profession. It is our own fault that the general public doesnt know what we do. Maybe if OTs were forced to pay dues they would be inclined to be more involved...It's the principal TimeShares were based off of. TOTA in Dallas is currently rebuilding our local organization and we parallel the statistics quoted in the original message with our TPTA counterpart. The figures for our TPTA counterpart blow us away. I personally would like to see more cross activity between local groups and their larger counterparts....and maybe it's time we joined forces with PTs.. after all the healthcare reform issues will affect us all. I'll be leading GSIS August on "The Direction of OT reflecting on Current Health Care Legislation". Get up to date on Bills being passed, voice your concerns for OT future (including lack of membership), and hear what Leaders in OT are telling us about trends....Catch me at "OTDallas under GROUPS " From: Linda M. Hetue <bounce-lindamh@aota.org> Sent: 4/1/2009 9:58:49 AMWithout AOTA listserve, I'm not sure I would have survived my first few jobs! I read all the listserves and just when I said "that isn't important to me" Voila - I had a child with a similar issue. Taking pride in our professional organization and realizing how little our profession is recognized (compared to PT's, RN's etc). This makes it more important than ever to have our organization focused on those issues that affect us since we don't have time and energy to go to the State House or Washington to fight. I graduated just as the BBA (Balanced Budget Act) was enacted. Job offers dropped like a rock. AOTA fought [and continues to fight] to keep OT services when laws are enacted, when Medicare is changed, and when insurance companies refuse to pay for (fill in the blank). Our services are life-changing to our clients. AOTA is life-changing for us by keeping us in the clinics and communities. Attending my first AOTA conference last year was an eye-opener - too many options to get it all in. Exhilarating and overwhelming at the same time!Shelby, Thank you for your comments. There are OT's around the world who want to join AOTA! So why not the OT's in the US also?? Warm regards,LindaOn Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 11:27 PM, shelbz011604 <bounce-shelbz011604@aota.org> wrote: I also agree. I am a student currently and I assumed it was mandated by AOTA to become a member because all of the students must subscribe for classes. I know I didn't use it when I first became a member but now I use the resources all the time for all of my classes and research I am interested in. I will continue to be an active member. This is also a topic we recently discussed in one of my classes and we were all surprised to see the low percentage of practicing therapists who are actually members. I also would like to see OTs from all over the U.S. become members if they aren't already. I don't think that many of the non-members realize or have any idea about the benefits and resources he or she have available. Shelby--View this message online at: http://otconnections.aota.org/forums/p/286/34197.aspx#34197 Linda M. Hetue, OTR/LAOTA / HKOTA / WFOT86 755 2681 7090Shenzhen, China (Hull, MA USA)--View this message online at http://otconnections.aota.org/forums/p/286/50531.aspx#50531 or reply to this message Linda M. Hetue, OTR/LAOTA / HKOTA / WFOT86 755 2681 7090Shenzhen, China (Hull, MA USA) | Post Points: 20
From: Linda M. Hetue <bounce-lindamh@aota.org>Sent: 8/21/2009 8:26:18 AM
Hello Forum!! MY VOTE: make AOTA membership Mandatory like ASHA and SLP's. Mandatory dues will instantly increase our budget and Money, like it or not, will solve many of the problems with our professions visibility, lobby needs, research, and activity. No OT can say they do not make enough money to contribute to the vitality of their own profession. With this money we could employ OTs or even committees to do public activities necessary to build our profession. It is our own fault that the general public doesnt know what we do. Maybe if OTs were forced to pay dues they would be inclined to be more involved...It's the principal TimeShares were based off of. TOTA in Dallas is currently rebuilding our local organization and we parallel the statistics quoted in the original message with our TPTA counterpart. The figures for our TPTA counterpart blow us away. I personally would like to see more cross activity between local groups and their larger counterparts....and maybe it's time we joined forces with PTs.. after all the healthcare reform issues will affect us all. I'll be leading GSIS August on "The Direction of OT reflecting on Current Health Care Legislation". Get up to date on Bills being passed, voice your concerns for OT future (including lack of membership), and hear what Leaders in OT are telling us about trends....Catch me at "OTDallas under GROUPS " From: Linda M. Hetue <bounce-lindamh@aota.org> Sent: 4/1/2009 9:58:49 AMWithout AOTA listserve, I'm not sure I would have survived my first few jobs! I read all the listserves and just when I said "that isn't important to me" Voila - I had a child with a similar issue. Taking pride in our professional organization and realizing how little our profession is recognized (compared to PT's, RN's etc). This makes it more important than ever to have our organization focused on those issues that affect us since we don't have time and energy to go to the State House or Washington to fight. I graduated just as the BBA (Balanced Budget Act) was enacted. Job offers dropped like a rock. AOTA fought [and continues to fight] to keep OT services when laws are enacted, when Medicare is changed, and when insurance companies refuse to pay for (fill in the blank). Our services are life-changing to our clients. AOTA is life-changing for us by keeping us in the clinics and communities. Attending my first AOTA conference last year was an eye-opener - too many options to get it all in. Exhilarating and overwhelming at the same time!Shelby, Thank you for your comments. There are OT's around the world who want to join AOTA! So why not the OT's in the US also?? Warm regards,LindaOn Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 11:27 PM, shelbz011604 <bounce-shelbz011604@aota.org> wrote: I also agree. I am a student currently and I assumed it was mandated by AOTA to become a member because all of the students must subscribe for classes. I know I didn't use it when I first became a member but now I use the resources all the time for all of my classes and research I am interested in. I will continue to be an active member. This is also a topic we recently discussed in one of my classes and we were all surprised to see the low percentage of practicing therapists who are actually members. I also would like to see OTs from all over the U.S. become members if they aren't already. I don't think that many of the non-members realize or have any idea about the benefits and resources he or she have available. Shelby--View this message online at: http://otconnections.aota.org/forums/p/286/34197.aspx#34197 Linda M. Hetue, OTR/LAOTA / HKOTA / WFOT86 755 2681 7090Shenzhen, China (Hull, MA USA)--View this message online at http://otconnections.aota.org/forums/p/286/50531.aspx#50531 or reply to this message Linda M. Hetue, OTR/LAOTA / HKOTA / WFOT86 755 2681 7090Shenzhen, China (Hull, MA USA)
APTA membership is NOT a requirement to practice PT in any state that I know of.
Ron Carson MHS, OT
APTA membership is NOT a requirement to practice PT in any state that I know of. From: Linda M. Hetue <bounce-lindamh@aota.org>Sent: 2/12/2010 6:28:44 PM Unless I'm mistanken - APTA requires membership. If you compare figures (look at OT Connection) you will notice the great difference in APTA membership and available funds for promoting PT. AOTA looks pitiful compared to APTA! If a majority (all) OT's were members, think of what a difference it would make to our profession. Perhaps the issue is the separation of AOTA and NBCOT, preventing such a requirement? There were reasons at the time that never came to pass.LindaOn Sat, Feb 13, 2010 at 4:50 AM, ejbrown <bounce-ejbrown@aota.org> wrote: Anti-trust laws prevent AOTA - and as far as I am aware, all health care organizations - from requiring that graduates of educational programs become members of the associations. Membership was originally required of those who became certified by the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board (AOTCB, the forerunner of NBCOT). But since the certification board separated from the association and became an independent entity, membership has been voluntary. There is no way AOTA could enforce required membership. It has no power over right to practice. That power belongs to NBCOT and the state licensure boards. From: Linda M. Hetue <bounce-lindamh@aota.org> Sent: 8/21/2009 8:26:18 AMCould we put this to a referendum vote - do we need a referendum vote - to make AOTA and local membership mandatory? I'm sure there would be a hue and cry but I think it's time. We've been nice forever - now let's be realistic too. LindaOn Fri, Jul 17, 2009 at 11:15 AM, Michelle McKamy <bounce-OTDallas@aota.org> wrote: Hello Forum!! MY VOTE: make AOTA membership Mandatory like ASHA and SLP's. Mandatory dues will instantly increase our budget and Money, like it or not, will solve many of the problems with our professions visibility, lobby needs, research, and activity. No OT can say they do not make enough money to contribute to the vitality of their own profession. With this money we could employ OTs or even committees to do public activities necessary to build our profession. It is our own fault that the general public doesnt know what we do. Maybe if OTs were forced to pay dues they would be inclined to be more involved...It's the principal TimeShares were based off of. TOTA in Dallas is currently rebuilding our local organization and we parallel the statistics quoted in the original message with our TPTA counterpart. The figures for our TPTA counterpart blow us away. I personally would like to see more cross activity between local groups and their larger counterparts....and maybe it's time we joined forces with PTs.. after all the healthcare reform issues will affect us all. I'll be leading GSIS August on "The Direction of OT reflecting on Current Health Care Legislation". Get up to date on Bills being passed, voice your concerns for OT future (including lack of membership), and hear what Leaders in OT are telling us about trends....Catch me at "OTDallas under GROUPS " From: Linda M. Hetue <bounce-lindamh@aota.org> Sent: 4/1/2009 9:58:49 AMWithout AOTA listserve, I'm not sure I would have survived my first few jobs! I read all the listserves and just when I said "that isn't important to me" Voila - I had a child with a similar issue. Taking pride in our professional organization and realizing how little our profession is recognized (compared to PT's, RN's etc). This makes it more important than ever to have our organization focused on those issues that affect us since we don't have time and energy to go to the State House or Washington to fight. I graduated just as the BBA (Balanced Budget Act) was enacted. Job offers dropped like a rock. AOTA fought [and continues to fight] to keep OT services when laws are enacted, when Medicare is changed, and when insurance companies refuse to pay for (fill in the blank). Our services are life-changing to our clients. AOTA is life-changing for us by keeping us in the clinics and communities. Attending my first AOTA conference last year was an eye-opener - too many options to get it all in. Exhilarating and overwhelming at the same time!Shelby, Thank you for your comments. There are OT's around the world who want to join AOTA! So why not the OT's in the US also?? Warm regards,LindaOn Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 11:27 PM, shelbz011604 <bounce-shelbz011604@aota.org> wrote: I also agree. I am a student currently and I assumed it was mandated by AOTA to become a member because all of the students must subscribe for classes. I know I didn't use it when I first became a member but now I use the resources all the time for all of my classes and research I am interested in. I will continue to be an active member. This is also a topic we recently discussed in one of my classes and we were all surprised to see the low percentage of practicing therapists who are actually members. I also would like to see OTs from all over the U.S. become members if they aren't already. I don't think that many of the non-members realize or have any idea about the benefits and resources he or she have available. Shelby--View this message online at: http://otconnections.aota.org/forums/p/286/34197.aspx#34197 Linda M. Hetue, OTR/LAOTA / HKOTA / WFOT86 755 2681 7090Shenzhen, China (Hull, MA USA)--View this message online at http://otconnections.aota.org/forums/p/286/50531.aspx#50531 or reply to this message Linda M. Hetue, OTR/LAOTA / HKOTA / WFOT86 755 2681 7090Shenzhen, China (Hull, MA USA) --View this message online at http://otconnections.aota.org/forums/p/286/50542.aspx#50542 or reply to this message Linda M. Hetue, OTR/LAOTA / HKOTA / WFOT86 755 2681 7090Shenzhen, China (Hull, MA USA) | Post Points: 5
From: Linda M. Hetue <bounce-lindamh@aota.org>Sent: 2/12/2010 6:28:44 PM
Anti-trust laws prevent AOTA - and as far as I am aware, all health care organizations - from requiring that graduates of educational programs become members of the associations. Membership was originally required of those who became certified by the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board (AOTCB, the forerunner of NBCOT). But since the certification board separated from the association and became an independent entity, membership has been voluntary. There is no way AOTA could enforce required membership. It has no power over right to practice. That power belongs to NBCOT and the state licensure boards. From: Linda M. Hetue <bounce-lindamh@aota.org> Sent: 8/21/2009 8:26:18 AMCould we put this to a referendum vote - do we need a referendum vote - to make AOTA and local membership mandatory? I'm sure there would be a hue and cry but I think it's time. We've been nice forever - now let's be realistic too. LindaOn Fri, Jul 17, 2009 at 11:15 AM, Michelle McKamy <bounce-OTDallas@aota.org> wrote: Hello Forum!! MY VOTE: make AOTA membership Mandatory like ASHA and SLP's. Mandatory dues will instantly increase our budget and Money, like it or not, will solve many of the problems with our professions visibility, lobby needs, research, and activity. No OT can say they do not make enough money to contribute to the vitality of their own profession. With this money we could employ OTs or even committees to do public activities necessary to build our profession. It is our own fault that the general public doesnt know what we do. Maybe if OTs were forced to pay dues they would be inclined to be more involved...It's the principal TimeShares were based off of. TOTA in Dallas is currently rebuilding our local organization and we parallel the statistics quoted in the original message with our TPTA counterpart. The figures for our TPTA counterpart blow us away. I personally would like to see more cross activity between local groups and their larger counterparts....and maybe it's time we joined forces with PTs.. after all the healthcare reform issues will affect us all. I'll be leading GSIS August on "The Direction of OT reflecting on Current Health Care Legislation". Get up to date on Bills being passed, voice your concerns for OT future (including lack of membership), and hear what Leaders in OT are telling us about trends....Catch me at "OTDallas under GROUPS " From: Linda M. Hetue <bounce-lindamh@aota.org> Sent: 4/1/2009 9:58:49 AMWithout AOTA listserve, I'm not sure I would have survived my first few jobs! I read all the listserves and just when I said "that isn't important to me" Voila - I had a child with a similar issue. Taking pride in our professional organization and realizing how little our profession is recognized (compared to PT's, RN's etc). This makes it more important than ever to have our organization focused on those issues that affect us since we don't have time and energy to go to the State House or Washington to fight. I graduated just as the BBA (Balanced Budget Act) was enacted. Job offers dropped like a rock. AOTA fought [and continues to fight] to keep OT services when laws are enacted, when Medicare is changed, and when insurance companies refuse to pay for (fill in the blank). Our services are life-changing to our clients. AOTA is life-changing for us by keeping us in the clinics and communities. Attending my first AOTA conference last year was an eye-opener - too many options to get it all in. Exhilarating and overwhelming at the same time!Shelby, Thank you for your comments. There are OT's around the world who want to join AOTA! So why not the OT's in the US also?? Warm regards,LindaOn Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 11:27 PM, shelbz011604 <bounce-shelbz011604@aota.org> wrote: I also agree. I am a student currently and I assumed it was mandated by AOTA to become a member because all of the students must subscribe for classes. I know I didn't use it when I first became a member but now I use the resources all the time for all of my classes and research I am interested in. I will continue to be an active member. This is also a topic we recently discussed in one of my classes and we were all surprised to see the low percentage of practicing therapists who are actually members. I also would like to see OTs from all over the U.S. become members if they aren't already. I don't think that many of the non-members realize or have any idea about the benefits and resources he or she have available. Shelby--View this message online at: http://otconnections.aota.org/forums/p/286/34197.aspx#34197 Linda M. Hetue, OTR/LAOTA / HKOTA / WFOT86 755 2681 7090Shenzhen, China (Hull, MA USA)--View this message online at http://otconnections.aota.org/forums/p/286/50531.aspx#50531 or reply to this message Linda M. Hetue, OTR/LAOTA / HKOTA / WFOT86 755 2681 7090Shenzhen, China (Hull, MA USA) --View this message online at http://otconnections.aota.org/forums/p/286/50542.aspx#50542 or reply to this message Linda M. Hetue, OTR/LAOTA / HKOTA / WFOT86 755 2681 7090Shenzhen, China (Hull, MA USA) | Post Points: 5
From: Linda M. Hetue <bounce-lindamh@aota.org> Sent: 8/21/2009 8:26:18 AM
Hello Forum!! MY VOTE: make AOTA membership Mandatory like ASHA and SLP's. Mandatory dues will instantly increase our budget and Money, like it or not, will solve many of the problems with our professions visibility, lobby needs, research, and activity. No OT can say they do not make enough money to contribute to the vitality of their own profession. With this money we could employ OTs or even committees to do public activities necessary to build our profession. It is our own fault that the general public doesnt know what we do. Maybe if OTs were forced to pay dues they would be inclined to be more involved...It's the principal TimeShares were based off of. TOTA in Dallas is currently rebuilding our local organization and we parallel the statistics quoted in the original message with our TPTA counterpart. The figures for our TPTA counterpart blow us away. I personally would like to see more cross activity between local groups and their larger counterparts....and maybe it's time we joined forces with PTs.. after all the healthcare reform issues will affect us all. I'll be leading GSIS August on "The Direction of OT reflecting on Current Health Care Legislation". Get up to date on Bills being passed, voice your concerns for OT future (including lack of membership), and hear what Leaders in OT are telling us about trends....Catch me at "OTDallas under GROUPS " From: Linda M. Hetue <bounce-lindamh@aota.org> Sent: 4/1/2009 9:58:49 AMWithout AOTA listserve, I'm not sure I would have survived my first few jobs! I read all the listserves and just when I said "that isn't important to me" Voila - I had a child with a similar issue. Taking pride in our professional organization and realizing how little our profession is recognized (compared to PT's, RN's etc). This makes it more important than ever to have our organization focused on those issues that affect us since we don't have time and energy to go to the State House or Washington to fight. I graduated just as the BBA (Balanced Budget Act) was enacted. Job offers dropped like a rock. AOTA fought [and continues to fight] to keep OT services when laws are enacted, when Medicare is changed, and when insurance companies refuse to pay for (fill in the blank). Our services are life-changing to our clients. AOTA is life-changing for us by keeping us in the clinics and communities. Attending my first AOTA conference last year was an eye-opener - too many options to get it all in. Exhilarating and overwhelming at the same time!Shelby, Thank you for your comments. There are OT's around the world who want to join AOTA! So why not the OT's in the US also?? Warm regards,LindaOn Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 11:27 PM, shelbz011604 <bounce-shelbz011604@aota.org> wrote: I also agree. I am a student currently and I assumed it was mandated by AOTA to become a member because all of the students must subscribe for classes. I know I didn't use it when I first became a member but now I use the resources all the time for all of my classes and research I am interested in. I will continue to be an active member. This is also a topic we recently discussed in one of my classes and we were all surprised to see the low percentage of practicing therapists who are actually members. I also would like to see OTs from all over the U.S. become members if they aren't already. I don't think that many of the non-members realize or have any idea about the benefits and resources he or she have available. Shelby--View this message online at: http://otconnections.aota.org/forums/p/286/34197.aspx#34197 Linda M. Hetue, OTR/LAOTA / HKOTA / WFOT86 755 2681 7090Shenzhen, China (Hull, MA USA)--View this message online at http://otconnections.aota.org/forums/p/286/50531.aspx#50531 or reply to this message Linda M. Hetue, OTR/LAOTA / HKOTA / WFOT86 755 2681 7090Shenzhen, China (Hull, MA USA) --View this message online at http://otconnections.aota.org/forums/p/286/50542.aspx#50542 or reply to this message Linda M. Hetue, OTR/LAOTA / HKOTA / WFOT86 755 2681 7090Shenzhen, China (Hull, MA USA)
I also thought that APTA required membership. Also, I believe the state associations are part of the national organizations and that's how membership fees are calculated.
Michelle-----
Anti-trust laws prevent AOTA - and as far as I am aware, all health care organizations - from requiring that graduates of educational programs become members of the associations. Membership was originally required of those who became certified by the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board (AOTCB, the forerunner of NBCOT). But since the certification board separated from the association and became an independent entity, membership has been voluntary. There is no way AOTA could enforce required membership. It has no power over right to practice. That power belongs to NBCOT and the state licensure boards. From: Linda M. Hetue <bounce-lindamh@aota.org>Sent: 8/21/2009 8:26:18 AMCould we put this to a referendum vote - do we need a referendum vote - to make AOTA and local membership mandatory? I'm sure there would be a hue and cry but I think it's time. We've been nice forever - now let's be realistic too.Linda On Fri, Jul 17, 2009 at 11:15 AM, Michelle McKamy <bounce-OTDallas@aota.org> wrote: Hello Forum!! MY VOTE: make AOTA membership Mandatory like ASHA and SLP's. Mandatory dues will instantly increase our budget and Money, like it or not, will solve many of the problems with our professions visibility, lobby needs, research, and activity. No OT can say they do not make enough money to contribute to the vitality of their own profession. With this money we could employ OTs or even committees to do public activities necessary to build our profession. It is our own fault that the general public doesnt know what we do. Maybe if OTs were forced to pay dues they would be inclined to be more involved...It's the principal TimeShares were based off of. TOTA in Dallas is currently rebuilding our local organization and we parallel the statistics quoted in the original message with our TPTA counterpart. The figures for our TPTA counterpart blow us away. I personally would like to see more cross activity between local groups and their larger counterparts....and maybe it's time we joined forces with PTs.. after all the healthcare reform issues will affect us all. I'll be leading GSIS August on "The Direction of OT reflecting on Current Health Care Legislation". Get up to date on Bills being passed, voice your concerns for OT future (including lack of membership), and hear what Leaders in OT are telling us about trends....Catch me at "OTDallas under GROUPS " From: Linda M. Hetue <bounce-lindamh@aota.org>Sent: 4/1/2009 9:58:49 AMWithout AOTA listserve, I'm not sure I would have survived my first few jobs! I read all the listserves and just when I said "that isn't important to me" Voila - I had a child with a similar issue. Taking pride in our professional organization and realizing how little our profession is recognized (compared to PT's, RN's etc). This makes it more important than ever to have our organization focused on those issues that affect us since we don't have time and energy to go to the State House or Washington to fight. I graduated just as the BBA (Balanced Budget Act) was enacted. Job offers dropped like a rock. AOTA fought [and continues to fight] to keep OT services when laws are enacted, when Medicare is changed, and when insurance companies refuse to pay for (fill in the blank). Our services are life-changing to our clients. AOTA is life-changing for us by keeping us in the clinics and communities.Attending my first AOTA conference last year was an eye-opener - too many options to get it all in. Exhilarating and overwhelming at the same time!Shelby, Thank you for your comments. There are OT's around the world who want to join AOTA! So why not the OT's in the US also??Warm regards,Linda On Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 11:27 PM, shelbz011604 <bounce-shelbz011604@aota.org> wrote: I also agree. I am a student currently and I assumed it was mandated by AOTA to become a member because all of the students must subscribe for classes. I know I didn't use it when I first became a member but now I use the resources all the time for all of my classes and research I am interested in. I will continue to be an active member. This is also a topic we recently discussed in one of my classes and we were all surprised to see the low percentage of practicing therapists who are actually members. I also would like to see OTs from all over the U.S. become members if they aren't already. I don't think that many of the non-members realize or have any idea about the benefits and resources he or she have available. Shelby --View this message online at: http://otconnections.aota.org/forums/p/286/34197.aspx#34197Linda M. Hetue, OTR/LAOTA / HKOTA / WFOT86 755 2681 7090Shenzhen, China (Hull, MA USA) --View this message online at http://otconnections.aota.org/forums/p/286/50531.aspx#50531 or reply to this messageLinda M. Hetue, OTR/LAOTA / HKOTA / WFOT86 755 2681 7090Shenzhen, China (Hull, MA USA)
Hello Forum!! MY VOTE: make AOTA membership Mandatory like ASHA and SLP's. Mandatory dues will instantly increase our budget and Money, like it or not, will solve many of the problems with our professions visibility, lobby needs, research, and activity. No OT can say they do not make enough money to contribute to the vitality of their own profession. With this money we could employ OTs or even committees to do public activities necessary to build our profession. It is our own fault that the general public doesnt know what we do. Maybe if OTs were forced to pay dues they would be inclined to be more involved...It's the principal TimeShares were based off of. TOTA in Dallas is currently rebuilding our local organization and we parallel the statistics quoted in the original message with our TPTA counterpart. The figures for our TPTA counterpart blow us away. I personally would like to see more cross activity between local groups and their larger counterparts....and maybe it's time we joined forces with PTs.. after all the healthcare reform issues will affect us all. I'll be leading GSIS August on "The Direction of OT reflecting on Current Health Care Legislation". Get up to date on Bills being passed, voice your concerns for OT future (including lack of membership), and hear what Leaders in OT are telling us about trends....Catch me at "OTDallas under GROUPS " From: Linda M. Hetue <bounce-lindamh@aota.org>Sent: 4/1/2009 9:58:49 AMWithout AOTA listserve, I'm not sure I would have survived my first few jobs! I read all the listserves and just when I said "that isn't important to me" Voila - I had a child with a similar issue. Taking pride in our professional organization and realizing how little our profession is recognized (compared to PT's, RN's etc). This makes it more important than ever to have our organization focused on those issues that affect us since we don't have time and energy to go to the State House or Washington to fight. I graduated just as the BBA (Balanced Budget Act) was enacted. Job offers dropped like a rock. AOTA fought [and continues to fight] to keep OT services when laws are enacted, when Medicare is changed, and when insurance companies refuse to pay for (fill in the blank). Our services are life-changing to our clients. AOTA is life-changing for us by keeping us in the clinics and communities.Attending my first AOTA conference last year was an eye-opener - too many options to get it all in. Exhilarating and overwhelming at the same time!Shelby, Thank you for your comments. There are OT's around the world who want to join AOTA! So why not the OT's in the US also??Warm regards,Linda On Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 11:27 PM, shelbz011604 <bounce-shelbz011604@aota.org> wrote: I also agree. I am a student currently and I assumed it was mandated by AOTA to become a member because all of the students must subscribe for classes. I know I didn't use it when I first became a member but now I use the resources all the time for all of my classes and research I am interested in. I will continue to be an active member. This is also a topic we recently discussed in one of my classes and we were all surprised to see the low percentage of practicing therapists who are actually members. I also would like to see OTs from all over the U.S. become members if they aren't already. I don't think that many of the non-members realize or have any idea about the benefits and resources he or she have available. Shelby --View this message online at: http://otconnections.aota.org/forums/p/286/34197.aspx#34197Linda M. Hetue, OTR/LAOTA / HKOTA / WFOT86 755 2681 7090Shenzhen, China (Hull, MA USA) --View this message online at http://otconnections.aota.org/forums/p/286/50531.aspx#50531 or reply to this messageLinda M. Hetue, OTR/LAOTA / HKOTA / WFOT86 755 2681 7090Shenzhen, China (Hull, MA USA)
From: Linda M. Hetue <bounce-lindamh@aota.org>Sent: 4/1/2009 9:58:49 AM
I did notice that many O.T. organizations MASPOT (Michigan Association of School Physical and Occupational Therapists) , NBCOT, AOTA, Mi-OTA , and having to pay the state of MI also, AOTA not only is by far the most expensive, this higher amount only covers one year.
I believe if the costs of membership (especially in this economy and how it is affecting MI) were put in line with the costs of the other associations, AOTA would get and keep more membership.
Also, the growing number of free on line sites, like otexchange, are meeting the practical needs of many of the therapists (questions) as well.