USI Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

04/25/2026

Last day 🤩🤩

04/25/2026

In honor of Occupational Therapy Month, here is Fact A Day #25 about OT 💙

04/24/2026

Day 2 at AOTA INSPIRE in Anaheim, CA—what an incredible day of posters and presentations! 🎤📊✨

Today’s Agenda:
🔹 1 poster presentation
🔹 2 short course presentations

It’s been an amazing opportunity to showcase our work, collaborate with others in the field, and continue learning alongside passionate occupational therapy professionals from across the country.

04/23/2026

The USI Occupational Therapy Assistant Program has officially arrived in Anaheim, CA for the AOTA INSPIRE National Conference! 🎉

Day 1 is underway, and we are excited to learn, grow, and bring back new ideas and inspiration to strengthen our program and support our students.

We’re especially proud to share that Jana and Sean have a combined total of SIX presentations and posters at this year’s conference—an incredible accomplishment and a reflection of their dedication to advancing the profession!

Stay tuned for updates as we make the most of this amazing experience! 💙

04/23/2026

Let’s Go!!!

IOTA President, Laura Aust, accepted the Membership Growth Award at this year’s Affiliated State Association Presidents (ASAP) Meeting, which occurs each year before AOTA Inspire! Since the beginning of 2025, through various initiatives, our membership has grown 11%, including a 25% increase in OTA memberships! We are so proud of this work and excited to share this celebration with our members. We could not do this without you!💙

04/21/2026

📢 Research Study Opportunity – OT & OTA Students (Past & Present)

Hello everyone! I hope you are doing well.

I am reaching out to ask for your support in sharing an important research study through the University of Southern Indiana.

I am currently conducting my doctoral research examining adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and secondary traumatic stress during fieldwork education in OT and OTA students.

📝 What’s involved?
• A brief, anonymous online survey (10–15 minutes)
• Includes demographics, ACE questionnaire, Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale
• Optional reflections on fieldwork experiences

🔒 Important to know:
• Participation is completely voluntary
• No identifying information is collected
• You may skip questions or exit at any time

🎯 Who can participate?
Current students or graduates (within the last 5 years) who have completed fieldwork

👉 Survey Link:
https://usisurvey.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_298LD6T44ecq6X4

Your support in sharing this with students and alumni is greatly appreciated. This research aims to better understand student experiences and improve how we support learners during fieldwork.

If you have any questions or would like more information, feel free to reach out!

Thank you for your time and support!

—
Sean Weir, EdD (ABD), MS, OTR, CBIS
Program Chair, Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
University of Southern Indiana

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

04/20/2026

Proud of you Kylee!!!

Occupational Therapist Assistance (OTA) Month!

Shout out to Kylee Vaal and Sarah Hildenbrand

Thank you both for all the hard work and dedication you provide for our residents. We are lucky to have you! 💛

04/20/2026

Proud to highlight both USI OTA Alumni Abby and Maddy! Proud of both of you!

Occupational Therapists (OT) help patients regain the everyday skills and abilities they need to increase their independence and safety. In recognition of Occupational Therapy Month, learn about why IU Health Bloomington OTs chose this field.

Abby Veatch, OT | I am inspired to be an OT because I get to encourage and provide support to patients who are going through some of their hardest days. I work to help them gain the confidence they need to move forward with their recovery.

John Radzak, OT | Helping people get back to what gives them purpose is what inspires me to be an OT.

Laura Bless, OT | I believe that the simplest daily activities are usually the most meaningful. I love that I can help patients reclaim those and help them feel like themselves again.

Meredith Southern, OT | Working and thinking about the person as a whole and all aspects of their lives inspires me most about being an OT.

Angie Chickedantz, OT | Making connections to patients and being helpful to team members inspires me most to be an OT.

Maddy Shields, COTA | Being able to step in during a patient’s most vulnerable moments and help them overcome the challenges they are facing. Watching them regain their independence and return to the life they love is what makes being a COTA so meaningful.

John Sears, OT | My Grandma inspires me to be an OT because she raised us to take care of the elderly in our community.

Dennis McMasters, OT | What inspires me most about being an OT is that I have the opportunity to help patients regain their independence after their illness or injury.

04/17/2026

ProgressiveHealth partners with hospitals and employers to deliver comprehensive healthcare and therapy solutions.

04/17/2026

We are looking to add to our amazing team! Please share!
Please email resume and/or questions to: erica@groundworkstherapy.com

04/17/2026

🚨Job Posting Alert🚨

We are looking to add to our amazing team! Please share!
Please email resume and/or questions to: erica@groundworkstherapy.com