Lisa H. Wister, Occupational Therapist

11/22/2025

11/22/2025

The Department of Education (ED) announced its intent to move forward with new rules that would fundamentally change how graduate students finance their education. Master’s and doctoral occupational therapy degree programs would not be classified as professional programs, but instead as graduate programs with a significantly reduced tuition cap.

Put simply, this means that future occupational therapy students would be subject to a drastically lower loan limit—putting the future of the profession at risk.

What’s next? AOTA already has spent months spearheading advocacy efforts to change the definition of professional programs. Congress can fix this—but we need your voice. Go to www.aota.org/takeaction to let Congress know that occupational therapy must be included in any definition of a professional program. Read more about the issue in our new article. https://www.aota.org/advocacy/advocacy-news/2025/federal-student-loan-limits-where-we-stand-and-what-comes-next-for-ot

11/22/2025

How cool!

11/22/2025

We’ve been working on this for a few months. It’s easy for an adult to do it quickly and my little client knows that. However we are working on bilateral hand coordination, hand strengthening, and willingness to engage in challenging tasks. The pride in accomplishing something hard helps build self confidence.

11/19/2025

Life with dogs

11/19/2025

Sometimes the strongest validation you get in your work and purpose is seeing someone come back. Three separate children in one family says something about what we achieved working together. You can learn more about me at lisawisterot.com. I not only treat clients directly, I teach other allied health professionals how to best work on multi-disciplinary teams with OTs.

11/15/2025

On November 12, Congress approved legislation that reopened the federal government and extended Medicare telehealth waivers, allowing occupational therapy services to be provided via telehealth through January 31, 2026.

What OT practitioners need to know:
▪️ Congress has directed CMS to provide reimbursement for Medicare telehealth services dating back to October 1.
▪️ If you’ve had claims held up or returned because of the waiver lapse, now is the time to revisit them.
▪️ This extension is still short-term, so staying on top of legislative updates is crucial.

AOTA continues to urge Congress to establish a permanent telehealth policy—which would make occupational therapy practitioners permanent Medicare telehealth providers and prevent further disruption. Find more info: https://bit.ly/3K3x36j

11/14/2025

At home therapy with caregiver present, Choosing play, sequencing, pictures showing emotions, early reading, Peter H Reynolds, I am Human

My client was so excited and confused that Peter H Reynolds’s was the illustrator. This kindergartner recognized his name, remembered his school visit, and explained he was an author.

Peter H. Reynolds

11/13/2025

These just arrived for my in-service on GI issues, anxiety, and toileting that was planned for tomorrow. Sadly I’m home sick so it will be rescheduled.

11/11/2025

At home therapy with caregiver, using what is available to stretch out sensory play, matching similarities, , , , magnetic play safe for toddlers, safe sensory play for oral explorers. Helped the parent see options for play with the same materials.

11/10/2025

Drastic weather changes can be alarming. Milo managed this transition with familiar food out in the snow and modeling by his big brother Noche.