Welcome to the new DOTAonline.org website!

Delaware Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (DOTA) is the official state affiliate of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) for the State of Delaware. We are individual Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, OT Teachers, and OT Students.

Unfamiliar with OT?

According to the AOTA, Occupational therapy is a science-driven, evidence-based profession that enables people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health and prevent—or live better with—illness, injury or disability. Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants work with people of all ages who, because of physical, developmental, social, or emotional problems, need specialized assistance to lead productive and satisfying lives. Occupational Therapy differs from physical therapy, because OT deals not just with muscles and bones and injuries. OT deals in the practice of teaching patients how to live their own life to the fullest capacity!

Practitioners must complete supervised clinical internships in a variety of health care settings, and pass a national examination. Delaware, like most other states, also regulates occupational therapy practice.

In today's health care and social landscape, occupational therapy practitioners work in the following six broad areas of practice. 

• Children and Youth
• Health and Wellness
• Mental Health
• Productive Aging
• Rehabilitation, Disability and Participation
• Work and Industry

Local News

• All Delaware OT practitioners should have received their renewal notices from the Delaware Board of Occupational Therapy Practice by now. Renewal is due by July 31. For online registration or Board contact information, go to http://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/occupationaltherapy/index.shtml.
   
• Kelly Livingston has agreed to chair the Downstate District. Laura Karlick has agreed to be vice-chair. We will be having regular meetings in Sus*** county. Every 4th Thursday of the month an activity or workshop will be held (except in August 2010). If you have any input, please let us know. Kelly can be reached at 302-430-5706 or Kelly Livingston.
   
• 2011 Annual AOTA Conference & Expo, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 14 - 17, 2011 with Pre-Conference Institutes on April 13
   
• DOTA will present a splinting workshop in early 2011. Watch for more information soon.
   
• Ever wish you knew enough Spanish to be able to talk to your Spanish speaking clients? Follow this link to the Delaware Technical and Community College offering; "Spanish for the Medical Professional" or call 302-454-3956
   
• Check out “What’s New” with AOTA AudioInsight! AudioInsight offers AOTA members and non-members an easy, relaxed way to earn 1.5 PDU’s-1.5 contact hours (NBCOT), .15 AOTA CEU’s and 1.5 CEU’s For DE Licensure. What better way to earn a CEU then in the comfort of your own home! Check it out at www.aota.org/aiseminars for more information on the latest and upcoming AudioInsight Seminars.
   
• Check out the latest from AOTA Press at www.AOTA.org!
   
• Check out the new Members Page.
   
• Sign up/Renew your AOTA membership on-line at www.AOTA.org. AOTA membership provides CEU’s and resource material at a discount for members, build your credentials with specialty certification options. AJOT and OT Practice keep you up to date on evidence based practice, provides resources, topical newsletters, OT Search, listservs and access to the Wilma West Library. Special interest sections provide a wide network of communities to support and involve you. (summarized from AOTA Flyer “Yes. This Really Works”)
   
• Free Microsoft Accessibility CD Set for OT’s at Microsoft Accessibility CD Set Materials Available Online

Membership

There are lots of reasons why you should join the DOTA. And anyone can become a member! There are different kinds of membership depending on your interests. You can download the application here. Print it out and send it back along with your dues (see chart for appropriate amount). Please make all checks payable to the Delaware Occupational Therapy Association and send to DOTA, c/o Cheryl Murray, 1319 Floral Drive, Wilmington, DE 19810

Employment Opportunities

Click Here for current employment opportunities.

Click here to advertise a job or continuing education event.