“SPOTS”

1. “SPOTS” Scholarship Project by Occupational Therapy Students Presented by: Ryan K. Morgan, OTS Chairperson – ASD Eastern Kentucky University

2. What is it? • Designed in collaboration with Susan Lin (Research Director at AOTA), AOTA staff, and ASD SC. • Research Project specifically for OT students • Recently launched vision from the Assembly of Student Delegates Steering Committee at AOTA • Purposed to address the Centennial Vision • Focused on meeting the BOD’s priorities for 2010

3. Centennial Vision "We envision that occupational therapy is a powerful, widely recognized, science-driven, and evidence-based profession with a globally connected and diverse workforce meeting society's occupational needs."

4. Board of Director’s 2010 Priorities • Engage in broad-based advocacy to ensure funding for OT in traditional and emerging areas • Create a national outcomes database • Develop major image-building campaigns • Promote dissemination of evidence-based knowledge • Continually scan the research environment • Create a research agenda • Create a research database • Create the emerging leaders development program

5. Purpose • Centennial Vision + BOD Directors + ASD • Promote rigorous student research • Maintain student interest in research post-graduation • Integrate student research at AOTA’s annual conference • Reward student’s efforts to promote evidence-based practice

6. 2010 Conference • AOTA has agreed to acknowledge student research (i.e. posters, presentations) • SPOTS’ logo will be placed on student’s research at the 2010 conference in Orlando • AOTA has agreed to continue to promote SPOTS in 2011 • In 2011, AOTA plans on ranking the student research projects through the rating system already in place • The highest ranked research projects will be awarded • SPOTS is envisioned to continue as an annual means to reward and acknowledge rigorous student research at the annual AOTA conference and expo

7. Future • Acknowledged in OT Practice Magazine earlier this year • SPOTS envisions a future reward for strong evidence produced by OT students • SPOTS envisions that OT students will translate their research endeavors in school, to a live-long appreciation and participation for research as a clinician, academician, and/or researcher

8. What Can You Do? • Submit your research project, thesis, and/or dissertation to be accepted at the 2011 conference and expo under the SPOTS logo • Tell your fellow students about the program and advocate for research at the student level • Carry your research knowledge and motivation over to your career in OT • Notify your professors about SPOTS and how they can impact their students, program, and profession

9. Questions? • Questions • Concerns • Ideas