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Period: to
1975-2000
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Education for All Handicapped Children Act (1975)
Significance: Marked a major shift toward inclusion of children with disabilities in public education. OT Impact: OT services became mandated in schools under the umbrella of related services, allowing school-based OT to grow rapidly. Later renamed: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Significance: A landmark civil rights law prohibiting discrimination based on disability. OT Impact: Expanded OT’s role in accessibility, workplace accommodations, and community integration. Key Figure: President George H. W. Bush signed the act into law. -
Ayers' Sensory Integration Theory was Developed
Ayers Sensory Integration Theory (ASI) was developed by Jean Ayers and focuses on what sensory integration is, adaptive responses to sensory, sensory dysfunction, and a therapeutic approach to sensory regulation. Ayers first published her theory in 1972 but continued to adapt and revise until the early 1980s. -
Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) Was Developed
The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) was developed and published in 1980 in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy by Gary Kielhofner. This model is one of the most widely used in today's practice and emphasizes client-centered practice, habituation, and motivation, as well as adapting occupation within environment. -
Establishment of the NBCOT
The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) was created to provide standardized national certification for occupational therapy in the United States. NBCOT's mission is to protect the public through the validation of essential competencies for effective and safe occupational therapy practice. The NBCOT has ensured consistency in professional qualifications and increased public trust in OT services. -
Growth of School-Based OT Services Under IDEA
IDEA mandated that services, such as occupational therapy, be available to all eligible students with disabilities to help them benefit from special education. With this, IDEA emphasized inclusion, transition planning, and assistive technology in a school-based setting. Occupational therapists played critical roles in IEP teams, environmental modifications, and transition services for older students. -
Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) published
The COPM was developed during the years of 1986 and 1989 but was officially published by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy in 1991. -
First Doctoral OT Programs and Advanced Practice Roles
In 1994, Nova Southeastern University launched the first post‑professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, aimed at occupational therapists who already held an entry‑level degree and were practicing professionally.
A few years later, Creighton University introduced the nation’s first entry‑level Doctor of Occupational Therapy. This program opened the door to individuals with a bachelor’s degree (who had not yet trained in OT) to complete a full doctoral pathway and become licensed. -
Balanced Budget Act of 1997
Focused on Medicare spending limits which limited rehabilitation resources for clients of occupational therapists