During the 2023 AOTA INSPIRE conference in April, the occupational therapy community gathered together to celebrate the organization’s 10 years of advocacy and action at the first-ever COTAD luncheon and speaker panel. The event also functioned as a fundraiser in collaboration with Occupational Therapists for Environmental Action (OTEA) for Global One Urban Farming, a Kansas City-based Black-owned and operated 501(c)(3) non-profit that grows and donates organic produce to seniors, veterans, and low-income families. In addition to bringing awareness to the intersection of climate change and social justice, COTAD and OTEA collectively raised $1300! All proceeds were donated to Global One Urban Farming. The funds will contribute to bathroom accessibility on the farm, the creation of a shed for tool storage, and/or food refrigeration to allow for increased production and distribution. With an on-site bathroom, a storage shed, and refrigeration, Global One’s Urban Farms will be able to support more community members, keep their tools safe, grow more fresh produce, and provide additional resources to families in need.
During the luncheon, COTAD practitioners, educators, and students convened with a panel of the organization’s founders and leaders to hear about COTAD’s history, discuss ongoing projects, and imagine what the future may hold. One attendee reported that it was “cool to hear about where COTAD started and all the things COTAD can still do,” and another said that they came away from the luncheon “more passionate and eager to be an OT making a difference.” Comments from the post-event feedback form also included statements that celebrated the in-person nature of the luncheon, which offered a special opportunity to mingle and network with fellow COTAD members face-to-face. Amidst the beautiful organic decorations provided by Global One Urban Farming, the sharing of delicious food, and the happy buzz of COTAD conversations, there was a pleasant sense of camaraderie and mutual respect that one participant sums up well as their biggest takeaway from the event: “We are community.”
The luncheon also provided an opportunity to hear more about the impactful work COTAD chapters across the country have been doing. COTAD would like to give a special shout out to the Washington University in St. Louis COTAD Chapter for their impressive accomplishments this year and to congratulate them on winning the Chapter of the Year award. This chapter, and many others at a number of universities, continue to remind us of the importance of encouraging future OT practitioners in their journeys, as they represent the future of our field.
Other COTAD awardees included Dr. Debi Francis of D’Youville University in Buffalo, New York, who was named Outstanding Faculty of 2023; and Dr. Susan Avila Misciagno of Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina, who was the awardee for Excellence in Mentorship for 2023. Thank you both for your leadership, commitment, and spirit this year.
COTAD leaders Dejaney Clark and Whitney Harris having a happy meeting with Star & Anthony Neal of Global One Urban Farming in Kansas City, MO
