About Us:

The Washington Occupational Therapy Association (WOTA) supports the professional community of therapists and promotes improved access to occupational therapy (OT) services in the State of Washington. If you are an occupational therapy practitioner, or you would like to apply for admission to an occupational therapy school, or you believe you or someone you know may benefit from occupational therapy services, this site will provide information for you. WOTA members are encouraged to login to locate members-only services and information.

History:

The first annual meeting of the National Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy was held in 1917.  Later the name would be changed to the American Occupational Therapy Association, AOTA.  AOTA handled all certification, testing, renewal was required for registration as a therapist. Through the years, licensure was assumed by the individual states and the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, NBCOT, took over certification testing.  Today, AOTA, NBCOT and the state work together and independently to address legal and ethical issues.

The Washington Occupational Therapy Association, WOTA, was formed in the 1950s. The Executive Board was all volunteers, and to date it remains that way. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the effort for licensure was started. Licensure was accomplished in 1982 and took effect in 1984. Licensure made Occupational Therapy more credible. It assured competency, increased professionalism and raised the quality of care for patients and clients.

In the early days of WOTA, membership was just a handful and WOTA conferences were informal meetings. Yet, today membership is around 500 and conferences include vendors, job fairs, continuing education units (CEUs) and attendance is 150 plus members.

In addition to the conferences WOTA expanded with special interest groups like Occupational Therapy in Schools (OTIS), the Legislative Committee that lobby for OT Practitioners to our state legislatures, and student representation from the state Occupational Therapy school programs.

Of course, membership is the driving force behind WOTA. With membership we are able to bound together to represent ourselves to the Department of Health through our OT Practice Board, appeal to and work directly with our state legislators, assist practitioners in maintaining their continued education for license and certification renewal and provide a place for practitioners to find guidance from other professionals.

WOTA is proud of its history and with increased membership we will be able to provide even more services and security to the OTs and OTAs of Washington. If you are not a part of WOTAs history, click here to join. If you are currently a member and want to help WOTA make history, please e-mail WOTA and find out all the ways you can participate.