Social learning through AOTA's Communities of Practice
Our Communities of Practice (CoPs) allow you a powerful way to network and learn through a social environment. Housed under the Special Interest Sections, CoPs enable rich, topic-focused discussion related to your professional passion.
Discover more in the Community of Practice Manual
The Communities of Practice manual provides an overview of the purpose and procedures underlying our vibrant network of communities. Contact us to learn more about CoPs and to access a current version of the manual.
Our Communities of Practice
Autism Community of Practice
Explores the strategies, challenges, and opportunities providing occupational therapy to autistic individuals. This CoP is housed under the Developmental Disabilities Special Interest Section.
Early Childhood Community of Practice
Addresses the demands of working in this critical phase of the life span to address needs as early as possible to prevent later challenges. This CoP is housed under the Children & Youth Special Interest Section.
Environmental Modifications Community of Practice
Explores best and emerging practice in the area of home and environmental modifications which are routinely incorporated into occupational therapy assessment and intervention plans to understand and address performance issues. This CoP is housed under the Home & Community Health Special Interest Section.
Fieldwork Educators Community of Practice
Explores supporting the needs of occupational therapy students as they transition from academic to practice settings, a vital step in professional development. This CoP is housed under the Academic Education Special Interest Section.
Fitness to Drive Community of Practice
Addresses driving and community mobility as a complex instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) with implications across the lifespan. This CoP is housed under the Productive Aging Special Interest Section.
Homelessness Community of Practice
Explores the challenges that unhoused individuals present in practice to meet both their individual performance as well as their often complex social needs. This CoP is housed under the Mental Health Special Interest Section.
Leadership Community of Practice
Explores the expansion of occupational therapy practice into administration and management roles. This CoP is housed under the Special Interest Section Council.
Literacy Community of Practice
Addresses the impact of literacy on both developmental and health interventions. This CoP is housed under the Special Interest Section Council.
Mealtime Occupations Community of Practice
Probes the impact of feeding, eating, and swallowing deficits across the lifespan. This CoP is housed under the Developmental Disabilities Special Interest Section.
Psychosis Community of Practice
Explores the demands of working with challenging mental health symptoms and the role of occupational therapy meeting the needs of those with serious mental illness. This CoP is housed under the Mental Health Special Interest Section.
Hospital-based Pediatrics Community of Practice
Provides a place for clinicians working with children in acute care to probe the distinct challenges of working with this population in the hospital setting. This CoP is housed under the Children & Youth Special Interest Section.
Integrative Health Community of Practice
The holistic nature of occupational therapy sets the stage for practitioners to explore the role of complementary interventions and approaches in practice to address occupational performance needs. This CoP is housed under the Home & Community Health Special Interest Section.
School Mental Health Community of Practice
Explores the impact occupational therapy can have on meeting the needs of school communities to support children's mental health and well-being. This CoP is housed under the Mental Health Special Interest Section.
State Leaders Community of Practice
Provides support and networking to promote occupational therapy advocacy across states. This CoP is housed under the Special Interest Section Council.
Transitions Community of Practice
Explores key transitions in development and the essential bridge that occupational therapy can be to support successful movement across contexts. This CoP is housed under the Developmental Disabilities Special Interest Section.
Women's Health Community of Practice
Addresses the distinct needs of women and opportunities for occupational therapy to optimize care by lending our holistic approaches. This CoP is housed under the Rehabilitation & Disability Special Interest Section.
Rural Therapy Community of Practice
Probes the impact of therapy practice in this vulnerable and challenge context. This CoP is housed under the Academic Education Special Interest Section.
School-based Community of Practice
Unmasks the challenges and opportunities to working with children in school settings. This CoP is housed under the Children & Youth Special Interest Section.
Pediatric Trauma Community of Practice
Explores evidence-based strategies used to address trauma, share resources, collaborate, and advocate for the role of occupational therapy practitioners in trauma informed care. This CoP is housed under the Sensory Integration and Processing Special Interest Section.
The value of participation
Participating in the Communities of Practice adds value to your membership and professional development. Want to learn more? Read or listen to personal experiences from CoP members.