60 for 60: At ‘Hill Day,’ Occupational Therapy Assistant students advocate for OTA issues in Washington, D.C.

Every September, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) hosts Hill Day as an opportunity for thousands of Occupational Therapy students from across the country to travel to Washington, D.C., and voice their advocacy for occupational therapy.

Hill Day began in 1999, and about 10 years ago, Durham Tech’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) students began to participate.

All second-year students are welcome to attend Hill Day as a chance to complete their advocacy assignment required for OTA 245 Professional Skills III.

Hill Day allows student advocates to meet with Congressional members from the House of Representatives and the Senate, to educate them on the benefits of occupational therapy and address some of the issues of the industry at the federal level.

“The students are required to read about and understand the legislative issues prior to the meetings. The students give an oral report about the trip after they return, and they must follow up with a letter to the legislators,” said Christine Gunnigle, Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Director at Durham Tech.

Hill Day is offered to students in-person and virtual events are also held for those unable to attend.

For more information about the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Durham Tech, visit https://www.durhamtech.edu/programs-pathways/occupational-therapy-assistant