Michigan Occupational Therapy Association

11/20/2025

Webinar TONIGHT! Sign up now at Linktr.ee/MichiganOTA or by logging into your account at MiOTA.org!

MiOTA Virtual Webinar! Psychological Safety to Improve Healthcare.

Presented by Lorne Epstein, MSOD, SHRM-SCP

When: November 20th, 7:00pm EST

"In this experiential workshop, Lorne guides healthcare professionals in creating psychological safety. This workshop supports the mitigation of bias by creating a culture where people feel safe and can share their ideas freely. We will discuss the literature that explains what psychological safety means, how it reduces implicit bias, and how it improves DE&I, as well as practices that demonstrate to managers and employees how to create it.

Google’s research on its highest-performing teams uncovered team members' communication, empathy, and sense of psychological safety with each other. In today’s fast-paced, high-stress environments, the need to build context so teams can work effectively together has never been more critical.

Clear engagement guidelines create the foundation for highly effective teams. Boost team efficiency, trust, and alignment by collectively identifying what is vital to your teammates and building a team commitment to using the co-created guidelines for success.

Using stories, dialogue, and appreciative inquiry techniques, you will learn what’s important to other participants and how you could work together in mutually supportive ways if you were part of the same team. You will take away tools to bring your team to its next level of performance.

Learning Objectives
• Define and recognize examples of psychological safety in real-world healthcare scenarios.
• Use inclusive and respectful language that promotes psychological safety among teams.
• Design a practical action plan to strengthen psychological safety in your workplace.
• Collaborate with colleagues using tools and behaviors that build trust, openness, and mutual respect.

Participants learn about and experience the meaning of psychological safety, understanding how this concept serves as a tool to engage employees and drive productivity, innovation, and collaboration. "

11/18/2025

We are deeply saddened to share that Dr. Fred Sammons passed away yesterday morning (11/17/25). He was a true legend in our field whose influence touched all of us, and his warmth and smile were just as impactful as his professional contributions.

MiOTA invites you to share stories, pictures, and kind words as we remember and celebrate the life of this incredible soul.

Cards of condolences can be sent to:

Dr. Barbara Rider
c/o Western Michigan University Occupational Therapy Department 1903 West Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo, Mi 49008.

11/17/2025

Drs. Barbara Rider and Fred Sammons are known for their huge contributions to the field of Occupational Therapy. They have both been struggling with health issues.

The Michigan Occupational Therapy Association would like them to know how much they mean to all of us by holding a Card Shower.

Cards can be sent to:
Barbara Rider and Fred Sammons C/O Western Michigan University, Occupational Therapy Department,
1901 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, Mi 49008.

11/16/2025

Save the date: LANSING LOBBY DAY March 12, 2026. Turn your passion into action. Space is limited this year to 133 people. Registration will open January 2026 which will include additional advocating opportunities in March.

11/13/2025

Sign up today at Linktr.ee/MichiganOTA or by logging into your account at MiOTA.org!

MiOTA Virtual Webinar! Psychological Safety to Improve Healthcare.

Presented by Lorne Epstein, MSOD, SHRM-SCP

When: November 20th, 7:00pm EST

"In this experiential workshop, Lorne guides healthcare professionals in creating psychological safety. This workshop supports the mitigation of bias by creating a culture where people feel safe and can share their ideas freely. We will discuss the literature that explains what psychological safety means, how it reduces implicit bias, and how it improves DE&I, as well as practices that demonstrate to managers and employees how to create it.

Google’s research on its highest-performing teams uncovered team members' communication, empathy, and sense of psychological safety with each other. In today’s fast-paced, high-stress environments, the need to build context so teams can work effectively together has never been more critical.

Clear engagement guidelines create the foundation for highly effective teams. Boost team efficiency, trust, and alignment by collectively identifying what is vital to your teammates and building a team commitment to using the co-created guidelines for success.

Using stories, dialogue, and appreciative inquiry techniques, you will learn what’s important to other participants and how you could work together in mutually supportive ways if you were part of the same team. You will take away tools to bring your team to its next level of performance.

Learning Objectives
• Define and recognize examples of psychological safety in real-world healthcare scenarios.
• Use inclusive and respectful language that promotes psychological safety among teams.
• Design a practical action plan to strengthen psychological safety in your workplace.
• Collaborate with colleagues using tools and behaviors that build trust, openness, and mutual respect.

Participants learn about and experience the meaning of psychological safety, understanding how this concept serves as a tool to engage employees and drive productivity, innovation, and collaboration. "

11/07/2025

10/31/2025

LAST CHANCE TO CONTRIBUTE!

BSBC Reimbursement Concerns:
We need to hear your voice!
MiOTA is collecting information on how the “Multiple Therapy Procedure Reduction Policy (MTPR)” by BCBS is impacting OT practitioners and outpatient clinics to help with our advocacy efforts.

Complete the short survey by October 31st, 2025 (Tonight!) at linktr.ee/MichiganOTA

Questions? Want to get involved?
Email Advocacy@MiOTA.Org

10/28/2025

From Western Michigan University;

We have had a great response for the 2025 Rider Colloquium and may need to close registration early. If you are still thinking about attending, register soon so you don't miss out.

Your future self will thank you!

https://wmich.edu/ridercolloquium

10/27/2025

Last chance to vote! Ballot closes TONIGHT at 11:59pm

Dear MiOTA Members,

Thank you for participating in the recent MiOTA election. Following the close of voting, it was determined that quorum was not met, and the Board of Directors approved reopening the ballot and extending the voting window.

During the initial voting period, there were no nominees for the Secretary position. Members were given the opportunity to submit nominations, and we are pleased to announce that two nominees have since accepted and submitted nomination statements.

We are now inviting you to cast your vote for the Secretary position here: Linktr.ee/michiganOTA

Voting ends 10-27-2025 at 11:59pm

10/27/2025

Occupational Therapy Professionals make the world more accessible.