At AOTF, our mission to support and advance occupational therapy research is a year-round commitment, reflected in every grant we award, every scholar we mentor, and every program we develop. But once a year, that work comes into focus in the most powerful way: at the AOTA INSPIRE Conference & Expo.

The 2025 conference in Philadelphia was more than just an event—it was a vivid mosaic of the people, research, and partnerships that define the future of OT. It’s where we saw the real-world impact of the grants and scholarships we champion all year and celebrated the awardees who are shaping what comes next.

Among the many highlights was our special VIP Reception, held to celebrate the Foundation's 60th Anniversary. It was a truly memorable occasion, bringing together dedicated donors, partners, and friends to commemorate six decades of unwavering commitment to advancing occupational therapy research.

Inspiration & Innovation

Our journey at the conference began with moments that reminded us why we do what we do. One of the most memorable was Breakfast with a Scholar, where David Anthony Rooney offered a powerful perspective on managing anxiety through community and resilience. His honest storytelling and practical strategies framed mental health as a challenge and a place for growth, compassion, and connection.

The State of the Science Symposium, The Impact of Long COVID on Occupational Performance: Opportunities for Occupational Therapy Intervention and Research, was a key AOTF offering. This session explored OT's vital role in Long COVID care and research. Feedback highlighted the importance of understanding "the role of OT in chronic conditions such as long-covid" and the power of personal narratives in illustrating the impact of this research.

We were also moved by the Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lecture, delivered by Roseann Schaaf, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, a Member of the AOTF Academy of Research, titled “Precision Occupational Therapy Through Data Driven Decision Making.” Her vision of combining clinical practice with analytics underscored the growing importance of data in improving outcomes and deepened our commitment to supporting research that leads to real change.

Research & Recognition

The Awards & Recognitions Ceremony brought this full circle as these awardees are more than honorees—they embody what our supporters make possible. Every accolade reflected the talent and perseverance that power occupational therapy forward, and the vibrant science community behind it.

We also gathered in sessions like the Academy of Research Symposium and the Research Excellence Symposium, where up-and-coming researchers, along with legendary researchers, shared their journeys, progress, and impact—a powerful reminder that AOTF’s mission doesn't end with funding; it starts there.

As champions of research, AOTF was especially proud to highlight the work of our STRIDE Mentored Research Scholarship recipients. Their poster presentations showcased innovative ideas and commitment to health DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility).

Interactive Engagement: Our Booth & Beyond

Strategically placed in the Grand Hall, the AOTF Booth was a hub of energy, curiosity, and connection. As we celebrated 60 years of advancing OT research, we were thrilled to meet with hundreds of attendees, sharing our story, answering questions, and handing out Swag with a Purpose. Our “Wheel of Philanthropy” made mission-driven giving fun and engaging. Thanks to the generosity of our community and a matching gift from Korro AI, we raised nearly $20,000 to support OT research.

We also hosted STRIDE Committee Informal Meetups, offering a welcoming space for researchers to connect, exchange ideas, and explore mentorship opportunities.

And of course, the OT Student Scavenger Hunt, sponsored by OccupationalTherapy.com, was a huge hit. Students made meaningful connections and gained a stronger sense of belonging in the OT research community.

A Tapestry of Impact

AOTA INSPIRE 2025 offered a powerful glimpse into the heart of AOTF's mission. Whether through the rigor of research presentations, the spontaneous connections made at our booth, the knowledge shared in expert lectures, or the enthusiasm of new voices, the conference experience truly reflected our values and the strength of our collaborations.

We are especially grateful to everyone who made a gist onsite during the conference. Your generosity directly supports the next wave of research leaders and ensures that innovation, diversity, and evidence-based practice remain central to occupational therapy. To our dedicated volunteers and partners, your steadfast commitment inspires others and brings dreams to life. None of this would be possible without you, who have been a cornerstone of the Foundation since its inception.

Thank you for believing in our mission during OT Month and every day of the year. 

Check out the Facebook album dedicated to this event.

We’ll see you in Anaheim in 2026. Until then, the work continues.

At the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF), we believe meaningful research happens when communities are engaged. This belief is at the heart of our 2024 Annual Report theme: “Engaging Community Partners.”

Now available for download, the AOTF 2024 Annual Report highlights how researchers, donors, students, and practitioners have come together to expand knowledge, fund innovative projects, and shape the future of occupational therapy through collaboration.

We are proud to share the 2024 AOTF Annual Report, which reflects a year of deepened partnerships, bold research initiatives, and meaningful progress in occupational therapy.

Key Highlights from the 2024 Annual Report

• Inaugural Engage Summit: Over 100 researchers and community partners gathered for AOTF’s first-ever Engage Summit, sponsored by NBCOT®. This summit is a milestone in advancing community-engaged OT research.
• New Grant Opportunity: AOTF announced the launch of a community-engaged research grant, debuting in Spring 2025,
• $550,000+ in Research Grants Awarded: Across our Implementation Research, Health Services Research, and Intervention Research Grant programs, AOTF continued to fill gaps in OT research through early-stage funding.
• 65+ Scholarships Awarded Nationwide: From first-generation students to doctoral candidates, AOTF awarded over 65 scholarships in 2024, supporting the development of a diverse and promising OT research workforce.
• STRIDE Mentored Research Scholarship: AOTF supported five OT students and clinicians from underrepresented backgrounds in mentored research experiences, with $127,000 awarded since 2022,

As 2025 begins, we reflect on 2024's progress, innovation, and collaboration. Thanks to the unwavering support of our donors, volunteers, and partners, AOTF has achieved significant milestones in advancing occupational therapy research, education, and practice.

Key Highlights from 2024

Providing Education:

• Inaugural Engage Summit

We hosted our first-ever Engage Summit, bringing together researchers and community partners to elevate community-engaged OT research. The summit featured dynamic panels, poster sessions, and keynote presentations, strongly focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Signature Events at the AOTA INSPIRE Conference

Our Foundation Friday events, including the inspiring Breakfast With a Scholar and Research Excellence Symposium, highlighted cutting-edge advancements and celebrated excellence in OT research and practice.

Broadening Funding Opportunities:

• Scholarship and Grant Support

Last year, AOTF awarded 67 educational scholarships to support OT and OTA students nationwide. Additionally, we continued to bridge research and practice by funding six grants, including Intervention, Implementation, and Health Services Research Grants.

• Three Brand New Initiatives

The new Lands Banks Memorial Scholarship was endowed with over $55,000, while the Dr. A. Jean Ayres Doctoral Candidate Scholarship began its journey with $25,000 raised toward a $125,000 endowment goal. AOTF also launched the new Dr. Carolyn Baum Cognitive Function in Daily Life Mentor Award, providing a $10,000 stipend to support a research mentee.

Disseminating Research:

• OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research

With the help of guest editors, along with our amazing editorial team, we published a focused issue on the Person-Environment-Occupation Performance Model in the July 2024 issue and called for papers for the 2025 Special Edition on Community-Engaged Research. Check out the Top 10 Most Downloaded OTJR Articles in 2024!

As we reflect on the accomplishments of 2024, we also thank Mary Jane (MJ) Mulcahey, PhD, OTR/L, whose exceptional leadership as AOTF Board Chair has been instrumental in driving the Foundation's success. We are deeply grateful for her three years of leadership and her voluntary fourth year as Immediate Past Chair to facilitate a smooth transition.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we embark on AOTF's 60th anniversary celebration this year, we acknowledge our remarkable progress together. Your unwavering support has been instrumental in our mission to support research, empower practice, and improve lives. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey.

Celebrate 60 years of impact by volunteering with AOTF. Together, we can make a difference.

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) is committed to strengthening our profession through research and practice. A cornerstone of this mission is providing financial aid to students at all degree levels in occupational therapy (OT). These future researchers, practitioners, and leaders need our support today.

AOTF is pleased to introduce two new scholarships that will soon be accepting applications. These two scholarships recognize two outstanding figures in OT and elevate our need for future OTs to emulate their personal and professional character.

The Dr. A. Jean Ayres Doctoral Candidate Scholarship will support an emerging OT scientist conducting research in sensory integration and sensory processing pursuant to their dissertation plan. Occupational therapists play a crucial role in evaluating and treating people with sensory issues. The increasing number of individuals with sensory processing challenges underscores the urgent need for robust OT evidence.

This scholarship will be $5,000, and AOTF has been gifted $25,000 to support five years of this award. AOTF is working to build an endowment of $125,000 for this fund so this scholarship may be offered forever

The Lands Banks Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Lands Banks, who served as the Manager of Administration and Facilities for AOTA for over 25 years. This scholarship recognizes Lands Banks's incredible impact on AOTA and the OT profession by supporting the next generation of occupational therapists.

Through the generosity of Lands' friends and colleagues, this scholarship has been created to support a student pursuing an OTA, MOT/MSOT, or OTD with an annual award of $2,000. Eligible candidates must demonstrate their role in community service and/or a service leadership role, as Lands' commitment to community service is one of his most recognizable qualities. Preference for this scholarship will be given to students from historically underrepresented minorities in occupational therapy. 

AOTF is working to build an endowment of $50,000 for this scholarship, which will provide a $2,000 scholarship forever.

If you wish to learn more about these scholarships or support our work to endow either of these funds with a philanthropic gift, please get in touch with Lawrence Liff at lliff@aotf.org