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The U.S. Veterans Administration, President's committee on Employment of the handicapped, and the National Easter Seals Society developed the national standards for "Barrier free" buildings to allow access for all, including the disabled (U.S. Department of Labor, 2009). -
Established in 1954 to any AOTA (American Occupation Therapy Association) member who has had many contributions to the development and growth of the knowledge of Occupational Therapists and the profession. This may be someone who has developed theories or techniques that enhance OT practice or be completely committed to OT research, teaching, and/or mentorship (AOTA, n.d.). -
This act (and public law 565), signed by President Eisenhower not only increased federal funding for health administration and research, but it also expanded services which meant better quality care for those with disabilities, and more specifically for the mentally. This act also helped Occupational therapists because it put them alongside all other rehab services, which allowed for the growth of OTs in various settings! (Social Security Administration, 1954) -
In 1956, AOTA published the Guide for Professional Responsibilities for the Occupational Therapist, aiming to clarify OT roles and expectations. That same year, the Allenberry Workshop on psychiatric OT was held to strengthen OT’s role in mental health settings by improving clinical and educational standards. These efforts reflected a growing emphasis on specialization and professional development (American Occupational Therapy Association, n.d.)
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Membership expands and strengthens international professional standards.
Assistive Tech launched by Muriel Zimmerman (AOTA, n.d.). -
AOTA assumes responsibility for educational standards for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) and approves the first OTA educational program for psychiatric COTAs. AOTA publishes the “Guide for the Development of Graduate Education Leading to Higher Degrees in Occupational Therapy,” outlining the requirements for a master’s-level curriculum for the profession (AOTA, n.d.). -
In 1959, a significant development in occupational therapy was the opening of the first school for occupational therapy assistants (Bernard Becker Medical Library, Washington University School of Medicine, n.d.). Additionally, the World Federation of Occupational Therapists was admitted into the World Health Organization (WHO) that same year (WFOT, n.d.). These events highlight the growing recognition and expansion of the field in both education and international collaboration. -
In 1960, the American Occupational Therapy Association focused on developing a 12-week curriculum to train Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (AOTA, n.d.). This event marked a significant step in expanding the profession and creating a pathway for assistants to contribute to the occupational therapy practice. -
AOTA publishes a "Statement of Policy" outlining its role in providing voluntary practitioner registration; overseeing OT education with the AMA; creating and sustaining clinical practice standards; supporting professional development; expanding OT knowledge for medical physicians; protecting OT practice standards and environments; and stopping policies detracting from OT's treatment role (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2022). -
The Social Security Amendment Act of 1965 created Medicare and Medicaid, formally including OT as a covered service. That same year, AOTA chartered the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) and updated curriculum standards to include both physical disabilities and psychosocial practice. The Student Occupational Therapy Association began meeting annually to promote student engagement (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2022). -
In 1965, the U.S. government passed the Social Security Amendment Act, creating Medicare and Medicaid. For the first time, occupational therapy was officially recognized as a covered service. This allowed older adults and low-income individuals to access OT through federal insurance, helping OT become a more established part of the healthcare system (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2022). -
In 1968, AOTA released the first official definition of OT: “the art and science of directing man’s response to selected activity.” This gave the profession a clear identity, helping others understand what OT is and guiding how it would be taught and practiced (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2022). -
1972: AOTA’s Headquarters moves to 6000 Executive Boulevard in Rockville, Maryland, to be closer to Congress for lobbying and to NIH for federal research funding. AOTA creates the Government and Legal Affairs Division (GLAD) to address issues related to occupational therapy practice in Congressional legislation. COTAs begin to receive AJOT as a member benefit (American Occupational Therapy Association, n.d.). -
1974: AOTA approves a position in favor of state licensure. The first Model Practice Act is created. The Black Occupational Therapy Caucus (BOTC) is founded (American Occupational Therapy Association, n.d.).