Occupational Therapy Research Guide: Professional Organizations

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National professional association established in 1917 to represent the interests and concerns of occupational therapy practitioners and students of occupational therapy and to improve the quality of occupational therapy services.

Founded in 1965 AOTF serves the public interest by supporting occupational therapy research and increasing public understanding of the important relationship between everyday activities (occupations) and health.

A professional organization comprising licensed occupational and physical therapists who specialize in the treatment and rehabilitation of the upper extremity.

The American Speech–Language–Hearing Association is a professional association for speech–language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists in the United States and internationally.

ATRA was formed 1984 as an independent organization representing the needs and issues of the therapeutic recreation profession.... The association provides a vast array of membership services focusing on professional practice, professional development, external affairs, advocacy, treatment networking, and educational services. Specifically, ATRA leads the profession with nationally recognized professional standards of practice, code of ethics, and competency guidelines. ATRA provides one mid-year conference and one annual conference each year at different locations across the country. Additionally, the ATRA Academy was developed to provide quality, competency training and skill-based continuing education through webinars. Dozens of professional books and guidelines, as well as promotional items, are available in the ATRA web store.

The mission of the Center for International Rehabilitation Research Information and Exchange (CIRRIE) is to facilitate the sharing of information between rehabilitation researchers in the U.S. and those in other countries. CIRRIE makes available to the disability community in the U.S. knowledge that has been found useful in other countries. It has educational resources related to culture and disability to strengthen the cultural competency of rehabilitation service providers who work with persons born outside the U.S., especially recent immigrants. In addition, CIRRIE compiles a list of conferences, workshops and other events that provide settings for the exchange of expertise internationally.

MAOT is a non-profit volunteer organization that provides a professional community for its members. MAOT represents occupational therapy to the public, engages in activities to advocate for the profession, and provides continuing education opportunities for members.

The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT®) is a not-for-profit credentialing agency that provides certification for the occupational therapy profession. NBCOT also works with state regulatory authorities and employers, providing information on credentials, professional conduct, and regulatory and certification renewal issues.