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OT Practice Framework Published
In November–December 2002, AOTA published the first Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process. This gave OT a unified, occupation-centered terminology and practice model. -
Reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
President George W. Bush signed the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004). This permanently authorized a grant program that provided federal funding to states to offer a free appropriate public education to all children with disabilities in the "least restrictive environment". -
AOTA Grants ACOTE Full Authority Over Educational Standards
AOTA and ACOTE have signed a memorandum of understanding that grants ACOTE full independence in setting standards for educational programs. -
Advancing OT Practice: New Educational Standards and Framework Adoption
The updated ACOTE standards outline requirements for both entry-level doctoral and master’s degree programs for occupational therapists. In the same year, AOTA adopts the second edition of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework. -
Affordable Care Act Passed
The Affordable Care Act was passed which expanded coverage for rehabilitation and health care funding in general. It expanded health insurance for millions of Americans ensuring access to Occupational Therapy. -
OTPF 3rd Edition Published
A third edition framework was published intended to support students, Occupational Therapists, other health care professionals and more to have a deeper understanding of Occupational Therapy practice. -
100th Anniversary of OT
AOTA celebrates 100 years of the association and the OT profession. Occupational Therapy has remained consistent with its core values and beliefs throughout the years, but has evolved over time with changes in science, society, and healthcare, as well as new methods and settings. -
Occupational Therapy Practice Framework 4th Edition was Published & Telehealth was Adopted
Occupational Therapy Practice Framework 4th Edition was published with an intention to capture the dynamic character of the occupational therapy profession, the evolving health care context, and the introduction of emerging technologies that can pose ethical challenges in practice, research, education, and policy. As the COVID-19 pandemic hit, healthcare services were transferred online via Telehealth. -
AOTA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan Report
AOTA released its first DEI Strategic Plan, developed by a diverse task force over a year of research. The plan outlines four focus areas—Governance, Education, Workforce Diversity, and Inclusive Communication—with key goals to embed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) across the profession through policy updates, training, recruitment, and the use of transparent language. -
Global Strategy for Occupational Therapy Workforce
WFOT released its first global workforce strategy, outlining seven priorities to strengthen and diversify the OT workforce. Key goals include improving data, expanding supply, promoting equity, ensuring competency, and building leadership to meet global care demands.