%20(2).png){kind=logo}
Upcoming events
Click here to see all upcoming events! |
|
OTAC Celebrates OT Month!
OTAC Member News
For the past three years, my dog Dezzy and I have provided Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) within an adult inpatient psychiatry setting. This work has been deeply meaningful, not only for me as an OTP, but for the patients I serve, many of whom are hospitalized on a locked unit for extended periods, sometimes lasting several months to over a year. AAT offers patients a unique and powerful therapeutic experience, fostering a sense of safety, attachment, and unconditional acceptance. It serves as a meaningful source of emotional and social support, while also promoting de-escalation and the development of self-soothing and calming strategies. Additionally, AAT enhances motivation and engagement in treatment, which can be especially impactful in higher-acuity psychiatric settings (Reference: Professional Therapy Dogs of Colorado, King-Bussard, 2018). Beyond patient care, Dezzy and I also provide support to healthcare staff through Denver Health’s support staff center, extending the benefits of AAT to employees navigating the demands of their roles. Within occupational therapy practice, AAT serves as a valuable adjunct to intervention by supporting the discussion around ADL habits and routines, promoting safety during functional mobility, and facilitating coping skill development through sensory integration and social participation. I have also recently welcomed a 4-month-old puppy into my family, named Dolly (who shares 9 out of 13 breeds with Dezzy but of course looks drastically different!) with the hope of training her to become a future therapy dog and continue expanding this meaningful work. Just a few quotes from patients: “I was going to go get an anxiety medication before this but now I don’t need one because of you!” “I didn’t think my day could be good, but it is now.” “Very calming.” “Soothing.” “It takes your mind off things.” Because I can’t take pictures of patients or my unit, please enjoy a few pictures of Dezzy in the staff support center! Plus one in a field of flowers during a backpack trip (not AI!) last summer and one with his new sister Dolly whom he adores, but I think he’s ready for Dolly to lose her puppy teeth...so am I! Submitted by: Dana Kriendler, OTD, OTR/L |
.png)
|
|
|
OTAC Annual Conference 2026 Date: September 24th (evening) -27th (morning). The 2026 OTAC Conference will build on the success of our 2024 and 2025 conferences, featuring interactive, activity-based sessions that take full advantage of our unique outdoor setting, along with engaging indoor learning experiences. This year, OTAC is intentionally expanding offerings that emphasize advanced and high-level continuing education designed for experienced practitioners. We accept proposals from all disciplines. Occupational therapy is strengthened through multidisciplinary collaboration. We are seeking presenters who bring diverse professional perspectives and demonstrate how multidisciplinary collaboration as well as shared frameworks lead to meaningful outcomes across disciplines.
KEYNOTE ANNOUNCEMENT! OTAC is excited and honored to announce Erik S. Johnson, OTD, MS, OTR, FAOTA, as keynote speaker for our 2026 conference! Climbing Higher: Innovation, Accessibility, and the Future of OT Practice In this keynote, Dr. Erik Johnson shares insights from his experiences as clinician, educator, and former Army officer. Drawing on lessons from combat deployments, including receiving the Bronze Star Medal for developing innovative rehabilitation approaches during combat operations, as well as his work with Xbox on advancing game accessibility, he highlights how creativity, leadership, and emerging technologies can expand the future of occupational therapy practice.  Conference Pages
|
|
Supporting Safety, Well‑Being, and Participation in Our Communities
OTAC stands with our fellow health care professionals and all members of our communities. We offer our deepest condolences to those who are grieving and our compassion to anyone feeling frightened or unsafe.
Occupational therapy is grounded in respect for human dignity, autonomy, justice, and the right to safe participation in daily life. As Occupational Therapy Practitioners, we are committed to fostering engagement, performance, and participation in the meaningful everyday activities that shape identity, promote belonging, and support physical and mental well‑being.
When community members, children, families, or health care workers experience trauma, fear, or violence—whether in health care settings, workplaces, schools, or public spaces—their ability to engage in these occupations is disrupted. Such experiences have profound impacts on health, participation, and overall well‑being. These are the domains OTPs are dedicated to supporting, advocating for and restoring.
New Member Benefit: Free Webinar Series
We are so excited to announce a partnership with Aspire OT! We've been long term partners, but we're taking our relationship to the next level by offering a series of monthly webinars FREE for OTAC members! That's right, we're talking free contact hours in exchange for your continued support of the OT profession here in Colorado and beyond. We are just so thrilled and we can't wait to see you there! Aspire Webinar Series
The Aspire OT Elevate Webinar Series will be listed in our event calendar with instructions on how to register! OTAC Webinar Series |
|
OTAC Advocacy Updates OTAC will keep you updated as we learn new information from AOTA and local legislation. Immediate action items will be posted on our front page & sent via email. OTAC is dedicating more time and resources than ever to protecting our profession. Your support as a member is critical. Membership dues directly fund our lobbyists and state-level advocacy efforts. If you’re able to join a committee or volunteer in any capacity, we would truly appreciate your involvement. We need all hands on deck to defend our practice here in Colorado. Have an advocacy request? Click here to make a request. How can you help?
2026 Advocacy Updates Click here to read all 2026 advocacy efforts!
|
AOTA advocacy leads to BCBS Michigan coverage of Ayres Sensory Integration® for autism 2/2/26: The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is pleased to announce a significant advocacy win for occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs), clients, and their families in Michigan. Following outreach and engagement by AOTA, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) will begin covering Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) for individuals with an autism diagnosis, effective March 1, 2026. This important policy change expands access to evidence-based occupational therapy (OT) services and reflects the growing recognition of sensory integration's role in supporting meaningful participation and functional progress. Read more here! NEW! OTAC created a new webpage under our resources tab that you can check out for more information on AOTA's advocacy updates & upcoming events. Click here to read more! |
WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER! Join or renew your membership in OTAC and AOTA to support your associations in their efforts to advocate for the OT profession both locally and nationally! Want to see policy changes? Need help advocating with insurers and stakeholders? Need informational resources for education or to advocate for your practice? Have a practice issue question? OTAC and AOTA are your associations here to help! Your small investment makes a HUGE difference in our ability to continue to advocate for you and affect policy changes that will benefit your practice and the clients you serve. AOTA Annual Conference
|
.jpg)
Conference Registration Discounts |
OTP DIRECTORY! Have you ever wished there was an easy way to connect and network with fellow Colorado OTAC member OT/OTA practitioners and students? We have!
Announcing the OTAC Colorado OT/OTA Directory created in partnership with OT Potential! FREE listing for OTAC members!
Apply for a board position, volunteer for a committee, attend an event, start a district or special interest group, share your ideas! |
OTAC Board members are volunteers dedicated to the support and advancement of occupational therapy practice in Colorado! |
Upcoming Events
| Get Your OT Gear at the OTAC STORE!
|
The 2026 legislative session will be starting up soon! If you are interested in joining the Legislative Committee (must be an OTAC member) write to | OTAC: Advocating for OT practice in Colorado for over 30+ Years Colorado State Bills OTAC Monitored in 2024 Have a practice issue or question? Contact OTAC |
OTAC Job Board
Post a job or look for a job here!
Reach the right candidates, faster. Advertising on the Occupational Therapy Association Job Board puts your roles in front of a highly targeted audience of OT professionals - plus featured promotion in our weekly email reaching 2,000+ engaged subscribers. Hire smarter with visibility where it matters most.
Stay informedSubscribe to the otac email list to stay informed about OTAC news, events, Advocacy efforts, and important information You need to know about OT pRactice in Colorado!(OTAC will never share your email with others) |
Meet our Corporate Members |
ABOUT OTACOTAC is the Occupational Therapy Association of Colorado. It is a non-profit organization that strives to increase the quality of care and level of professionalism to the practice of OT in Colorado. The Occupational Therapy Association is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all users. We are actively working to improve the user experience and comply with accessibility standards. If you encounter any issues or need assistance, please email us. We strive to address all concerns promptly.
Have a feedback or need more help? Email info@otacco.org |
|
© Occupational Therapy Association of Colorado