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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. -
President George W. Bush signed the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004). This reauthorized and continued the existing federal grant system that provided federal funding to states to offer a free public education to all children with disabilities in the "least restrictive environment". -
AOTA and ACOTE have signed a memorandum of understanding. This recognizes ACOTE’s authority to independently set standards for educational programs. This is important to OTs because it promotes high-quality education specific to occupational therapy. This aligns with the evolving needs of the field and helps ensure graduates are prepared well for when they begin practicing. (Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, 2023) -
The updated ACOTE standards outline requirements for entry-level doctoral and master’s degree programs for OTs. AOTA also adopts the second edition of the OTPF. This helps educational standards to be more aligned with the core values, language, and practice areas of OT. It also establishes consistency in how OT is taught in different schools and practiced in different settings. (Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, 2023) -
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. (American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2013) -
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. (American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2014) -
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. (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2017) -
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. (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020) -
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 (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2021). -
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 (World Federation of Occupational Therapists, 2024).