The federal gov currently provides around $12-13 B annually under IDEA, but that still covers less than 12-15% of the nation’s cost of educating students with disabilities, far from the original 40% promise. Advocacy groups estimate a funding gap of nearly $39 B in 2024–25. #IDEA50thOT #aota

❤️ IDEA has opened the doors of education for millions of students. Occupational therapy helps ensure those doors lead to meaningful participation, learning, and growth.❤️

#IDEA50thOT #occupationaltherapy #schoolbasedOT #aota #specialed

LRE means students with dis should be educated with their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. It’s about access & support, not just physical presence. The focus is on belonging, participation, & meaningful learning, not just physical placement.
#IDEA50thOT

FAPE ensures every eligible child with a disability has access to spec ed & related services designed to meet their unique needs. OTPs help ensure students can participate in their educ programs, access the curriculum, & engage in daily school routines & activities. #IDEA50thOT

Before 1975, more than 1M children with disabilities were excluded from public schools, and millions more did not receive the specialized instruction or services they needed. Families often had to fight for their children’s right to simply attend school. #IDEA50thOT

President Gerald Ford signed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act on November 29, 1975. This legislation marked a historic commitment to inclusion and equity in education. #IDEA50thOT

AOTA CYSIS is excited to share the IDEA 50th Anniversary Toolkit. Inside you’ll find: handout; activities for the whole school, classrooms, & OT sessions; displays; & resources.
Download the toolkit here: cysis.aota.org/advocacy/
Show us how you’re celebrating! Post photos using #IDEA50thOT

Join the AOTA CYSIS in celebrating 50 years of IDEA! Reflect with occupational therapy practitioners across the country on what IDEA means for us today and the future.
#IDEA50thOT #occupationaltherapy #pediatricoccupationaltherapy #pedsot #schoolbasedot #schoolbasedoccupationaltherapy #aota

Please join CYSIS for our May Practice chat on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 7-8pm EST. The session will focus on understanding advocacy do's & don'ts, crafting impactful messages, and aligning efforts with current federal priorities. Excited to see you there! Register at: www.aota.org/events/calen...

I made it to #AOTAINSPIRE. I look forward to meeting up with OT colleagues! #OT #AOTA

On my way to #AOTAInspire2025. Can’t wait to connect with fellow OTs. #OT #AOTA #Inspire2025

Happy Occupational Therapy Month! I feel fortunate to have a career helping others live their lives to the fullest. #OT

The disability advocacy community lost a leader & teacher in Rudd Turnbull. His work shaped the field of spec educ & disability law. I’m grateful our paths crossed & to learn from his unwavering dedication to equality & justice. May his memory be a blessing & his legacy continue to inspire us all.

Here’s your opportunity to engage w/ Abe Saffer, #AOTA federal lobbyist, & discuss #school-basedOT. Share challenges, ask questions, or just listen in as Abe shares updates on AOTA’s work in #education policy and gathers insights to inform advocacy efforts. Register www.aota.org/events/calen...

OT Practitioners & Students! The AOTA Children & Youth Special Interest Section (CYSIS) needs your input! Take our quick survey and help us shape programming, resources, and opportunities designed with you in mind. Share your voice: forms.gle/FCQXLR8tj8XE...
#AOTA #CYSIS #OccupationalTherapy

Calling School-Based OT practitioners- Join AOTA’s Children & Youth Special Interest Section virtual journal club tomorrow (11/20/24) 7-8pm EST to discuss Sensory-based Interventions in The School Setting & The Perspective of Paraeducators. Register: www.aota.org/events/calen... #OT #sensory #AOTA

Headed over from Twitter. Hoping to network & connect with others in the OT, ECSE, & developmental & learning science spaces. Sharing a photo of the goodest girl. She’s been by my side every every step of the PhD program. #academicchat #phdlife #docstudent #dogs