We remember and celebrate the life of Ken Ottenbacher, PhD, OTR, whose profound influence on the field of occupational therapy has touched countless lives. Dr. Ottenbacher's extraordinary dedication, vast knowledge, and passion for his work have left a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide the community for years to come.

His contributions significantly advanced the discipline, particularly in rehabilitation science and evidence-based practice. His extensive research laid a foundation for many contemporary therapeutic techniques, influencing how occupational therapy is practiced worldwide.

“Ken Ottenbacher was a dear friend and scholar whom I admired more than anyone. He was incredibly humble, generous, kind, and thoughtful. At pivotal points in my life, I sought his counsel and was proud to have recruited Ken and his family to the University of Texas Medical Branch. Ken quickly established a reputation as a respected scientist and research mentor across the entire university and in the rehabilitation sciences globally. His productivity was extraordinary, but he always found time for others and managed to balance work with other activities. I feel blessed to have shared so many rich experiences with him." - Charles Christiansen, Past AOTF CEO.

Dr. Ottenbacher's impact extended beyond his research. He was a committed mentor who nurtured the careers of countless students and young professionals. His guidance helped shape the next generation of occupational therapists, ensuring his influence would be felt for many years. As Editor-in-Chief of OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, he was dedicated to advancing the field through rigorous scholarship and dissemination of knowledge.

“Ken’s passing is a tremendous loss for the OT community. He was a preeminent scholar in our field, and his contributions to science have helped advance occupational therapy research and practice in numerous ways. His many contributions also include many trainees who have contributed to his legacy through their research and practice. We are grateful for his service to the profession, which included time serving as Editor-in-Chief of OTJR. Our condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all those who knew, loved, and admired him." - Timothy J. Wolf, OTD, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, OTJR Editor-in-Chief.

Dr. Ken Ottenbacher’s exceptional contributions to occupational therapy have left an indelible mark on the field. His research insights, practical improvements, and mentorship have shaped how therapists approach patient care. Although his passing is a loss, his legacy lives on through his substantial body of work and the continued progress of his trainees. Their collective efforts will continue to enhance the lives of those served by occupational therapists worldwide.

To honor Dr. Kenneth Ottenbacher’s legacy, please visit his obituary here.

In 2018, The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) convened a group of scientists from seven different disciplines in a Planning Grant Collective (PGC) to stimulate research to identify scalable ways to preserve and optimize participation among cancer survivors and then identify interventions that improve participation in roles and life. In 2019, one of the PGC committee members, current AOTF Board Member and Academy of Research Member, Kathleen Lyons, OT, ScD, OTR, Professor, MGH Institute of Health Professions, was awarded an R01 and its outcomes were recently published in the JAMA Network Open article, Telephone-Based Rehabilitation Intervention to Optimize Activity Participation After Breast Cancer (Lyons KD, Wechsler SB, Ejem DB, et al). The intervention is an example of one of the three priorities identified during that 2018 AOTF workshop with fellow participant and author, Robin Newman, OTD, OTR, CLT, FAOTA, Program Director of the Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University.

“The discussions with the PGC participants (including the program officers) were instrumental in my ability to hone the argument and get the grant funded. So, thank you AOTF!” says Lyons.

The PGC discussion and recommendations regarding all three recommendations that could catalyze research on participation of cancer survivors were published in AOTF’s OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, Catalyzing Research to Optimize Cancer Survivors’ Participation in Work and Life Roles (Newman RM, Alfano CM, Radomski MV, et al).

Together, with Foundation volunteers like Kathy, we support key strategic pillars, including establishing partnerships between researchers, practitioners and community partners, that fulfill our mission of building evidence to improve OT practice and health.

• Read more in the MGH Institute of Health Professions feature, Cancer Rehabilitative Therapy Could Be Just a Phone Call Away.
• The most recent AOTF PGC “Functional Cognition: Moving the Science Forward” was held in Alexandria, VA last fall. Its findings will be published in OTJR with the balance of the Collectives.
• Interested in volunteering for the Foundation? We currently are accepting applications for several of our 10 committees.

Daut-Jacobson Occupational Therapy Continuing Education Award

Lila Daut worked as an occupational therapist in Milwaukee, WI as a rehabilitation specialist and supervisor.  She received her occupational therapy degree from Texas Woman’s University. After decades of work she retired in 2015. Lila has a strong passion for occupational therapy and knows how important evidence-based practice is for the profession. Because of rising costs and expenses for continuing education courses, Lila has established a new award that will help OT practitioners attend continuing education courses and advanced certification training.  

The Lila Daut-Allan Jacobson Occupational Therapy Continuing Education award provides an annual award of $500 to an OT or COTA practitioner who is seeking financial aid for continuing education coursework.

While any continuing education course will be considered, priority will be given to advanced certification in the fields of: 

• Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT)
• Certified Hand Therapy (CHT)
• Neuro-Developmental Therapy Certification (NDT)
• Certified Driver’s Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS)
• Gerontology Certification. 

All continuing education courses must be approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). 

Submission Checklist

□  Applicants name, address, email, phone number, employer

□  Course information including course title, date, presenter, subject matter/learning objectives, cost and eligible credits

□  Description of how this course/certification will improve your practice and/or advance your career

All applications will be reviewed by the AOTF Academy of Research Members. 
Application deadline: May 19, 2024.