In 2018, we had at least 664 positive news stories about occupational therapy. Of those placements, at least 313 were in news outlets that report an audience of more than 5 million viewers. You can view all of the media placements that provide the public with a better understanding of the profession on AOTA’s OT in the News page. 
Among these articles, TV broadcasts, and radio interviews is a common theme: empowerment. All of these placements explain the distinct value of OT through the success of the clients or by providing tips for people to make life easier.
Helping children to succeed
Many articles this year focused on helping children with physical and cognitive challenges. This article in Working Mother Magazine explores the question of over-diagnosis among young children. In the article, a parent champions occupational therapy services for her son, saying, “There is no doubt in my mind that Jake wouldn’t be at this intensely academic school, thriving socially, if we had not intervened with OT when he was young. There is no way.”
The Hartford Courant featured a camp for children ages 2 to 18 who are amputees. In the article, OT practitioners and PTs help instill confidence in the kids by helping them learn skills, including driving. The story was picked up by many major news outlets. Also, The Charlotte Observer featured a story on a program for young adults with autism who are learning to navigate adult life.
OT practitioners help children affected by polio-like illness, Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)
A spike in a condition called Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), which causes paralysis in children much like polio, spread across the U.S. this year. Hundreds of articles feature the work that occupational therapy practitioners continue to do to help these families, including The Houston Chronicle and the CBS Evening News.
Keeping older adults independent
Aging-in-place continued to dominate the news this year as baby-boomers enter their golden years. An AOTA member explains how simple technology can help older drivers to feel more comfortable, confident, and safe behind the wheel in this Detroit Free Press article titled, “The secret weapon SUVs hope will keep sales growing: Making older drivers feel younger.” This Reader’s Digest article on preventing falls is one of dozens this year that offer the expertise of an OT practitioner to stay safe in the home. And this feature in The New York Times explains how occupational therapy practitioners can help families to safely age in place. Tips for living well with dementia were featured in Kaiser Health News and The Washington Post. And this article in Wirecutter offers tips on selecting a shower mat that will prevent falls.
Helping us participate in meaningful occupations
This year, occupational therapy practitioners were featured in countless news outlets offering tips to make life easier. Popular Science magazine featured an occupational therapist’s tips for how to sit ergonomically without expensive equipment. This U.S. News & World Report article is titled, “15 Ways Occupational Therapy Can Help You.” And this NPR piece on insurance coverage of OT centered around a father and son who sustained similar hand injuries and valued their occupational therapy for helping them relearn important skills.
OT and OTA named top jobs
OT and OTA careers were prime news articles this year, with both ranking favorably on several top job lists: Glassdoor’s 50 Best Jobs in America (OT is No. 4); Crain’s Chicago Business Fastest-Growing Flexible Jobs (OT is No. 7); U.S. News & World Report’s rankings: 100 Best Jobs (OT is No. 11; OTA is No. 60), Best Health Care Jobs (OT is No. 9), Best Health Care Support Jobs (OTA is No. 8); and OT is No. 2 on Education News’ list of top 5 degrees to graduate with now.
Still not inspired? Check out this TODAY Show story on Veronica Brooks, an occupational therapist born without arms, who explains why the profession is perfect for her, and a description of her work.
Is promoting OT in the news on your New Year’s resolution list for 2019? Contact me at kriley@aota.org and let’s get started! To learn more about AOTA’s media efforts, visit our For the Media page.