Second-year students in the doctor of occupational therapy program completed the Systems and Advocacy summer course in preparation for the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Hill Day on Friday, September 19, 2025. Students and faculty also attended the Advocacy Leadership Reception hosted by the District of Columbia Occupational Therapy Association at Howard University which featured AOTA President, Dr. Arameh Anvarizadeh, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA, on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
The Systems and Advocacy course evaluates the socioeconomic, political, geographic, and demographic factors in the delivery of occupational therapy services while Hill Day allows students and practitioners to lobby elected officials in Congress on policy issues that impact occupational therapy (OT) practice, and people and communities, across the continuum of care.
Yewande Sofola advocated for the expansion and passage of the Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act, which was introduced into Congress on June 23, 2025, and aims to improve maternal postpartum health by ensuring access to physical therapy for new mothers under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Sofola argued that the bill excludes occupational therapy, which would support a holistic healthcare program for new mothers such as mental health challenges, education on breastfeeding and infant development, and addressing intimacy and interpersonal relationship building.
Meghan Ofori focused on incarcerated adults with serious mental illnesses who lack access to treatment and rehabilitation in correctional facilities. “Including occupational therapy as an approved rehabilitation service under the First Step Act would support a meaningful recovery and reintegration into society. This would be a step toward justice and equity,” said Ofori.
Emma Screws urged Representative Terri Sewell of Alabama to support federal efforts to expand Medicaid coverage and include comprehensive occupational therapy services for vulnerable children across all care settings, such as group homes, schools, and outpatient programs. “Occupational therapy gives foster youth the tools and strategies to rebuild their sense of safety, manage emotions, succeed in school, and develop life skills for the future… You [Representative Sewell] have been a strong voice for equity, and I believe your leadership can help close this gap,” said Screws.
