North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association

04/01/2026

✨ Happy OT Month! ✨

To all the incredible occupational therapy practitioners across North Carolina — this month is for YOU!

Every day, you empower individuals to live more independently, engage in meaningful activities, and improve their quality of life. Whether you're helping someone regain skills after injury, supporting mental health, or promoting participation in everyday occupations, your impact is truly life-changing.

💙 You are advocates.
💙 You are problem-solvers.
💙 You are difference-makers.

Thank you for the compassion, creativity, and dedication you bring to your work each and every day. North Carolina is stronger because of YOU!

04/01/2026

🏆 NCOTA Awards 🏆

Awards will be presented at this year’s conference! 🎉

Do you know someone who deserves recognition for their impact in occupational therapy? This is your chance to celebrate them!

📅 Nominations open April 15
Stay tuned for more details on how to submit your nomination.

Let’s recognize the incredible work happening across our profession! 💙

Each year, the North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association (NCOTA) recognizes and honors colleagues who have made significant contributions to the profession of occupational therapy. Be a part of the process by nominating a colleague, mentor, or educator for one of NCOTA’s prestigious awards.

04/01/2026

✨ Save the Date: 2026 NCOTA Fall Conference! ✨

Dear NCOTA Members,

We’re excited to announce the 2026 NCOTA Fall Conference!

📅 Dates: Friday, September 18 & Saturday, September 19, 2026

📍 Location: East Carolina University | Greenville, NC

💡 Theme: In the Moments That Matter: Upholding Humanity in Practice

What does it mean to truly uphold humanity in our practice? It means showing up with intention—remaining attentive, ethical, and responsive in every interaction. As occupational therapy practitioners, we have a responsibility to protect dignity and support meaningful participation, especially for individuals and communities facing barriers to access, opportunity, or inclusion.

Across all settings and roles, we are called to use our professional judgment, advocacy, and care to honor lived experiences and promote justice through occupation.

Join us as we explore how everyday clinical and professional decisions can reduce inequities and uphold human dignity through ethical reasoning, relationship-centered practice, and collective professional action.

We can’t wait to see you there! 💙

03/31/2026

📢 Friendly Reminder – We Need YOU!

The North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association is still looking for passionate, motivated individuals to step into leadership roles and help shape the future of occupational therapy in North Carolina 💙

Serving on the board is a meaningful way to:
✨ Make an impact on healthcare, policy, and reimbursement
✨ Advocate for our profession and the clients we serve
✨ Grow professionally while collaborating with other dedicated OT leaders

There are several elected and appointed positions available—whether you’re an experienced clinician or just ready to get more involved, there is a place for you!

📌 Elected positions open for nomination:
• President-Elect (1)
• Secretary (1)
• OTA Representative (1)
• Membership Services Co-Chair (2)
• Legal & Political Co-Chair (1)

📌 Appointed positions open for nomination:
• NCBOT Liaison (1)
• Communications Co-Chair (1)
• SIS Administration & Leadership Co-Chair (1)
• SIS Home Health Co-Chair (2)
• OT Student Board Member (1)
• OTA Student Board Member (1)

🗓 Deadline to submit nominations: April 15, 2026
📧 Send to: office@ncota.org

✔️ Self-nominations are welcome!

No prior board experience is needed—just a willingness to contribute, lead, and support the OT community.

If you’ve ever thought about getting more involved, this is your sign to take that next step 🙌

03/15/2026

📢 We Need YOU!

North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association (NCOTA) is searching for dedicated and enthusiastic leaders to serve on our Board of Directors.

NCOTA strives to impact healthcare, legislative, and reimbursement communities as advocates for both the consumer and the profession, while remaining responsive to our members by promoting professional education, communication, and monitoring trends that affect the practice of occupational therapy.

Board members help oversee the direction and management of the association by:
• Taking responsibility for projects
• Recruiting members
• Attending face-to-face and virtual board meetings (approximately 6 per year)
• Promoting and assisting with the annual conference
• Submitting information and updates for the website
• Monitoring the needs of membership

📌 Elected positions open for nomination:
• President-Elect (1)
• Secretary (1)
• OTA Representative (1)
• Membership Services Co-Chair (2)
• Legal & Political Co-Chair (1)

📌 Appointed positions open for nomination:
• NCBOT Liaison (1)
• Communications Co-Chair (1)
• SIS Administration & Leadership Co-Chair (1)
• SIS Home Health Co-Chair (2)
• OT Student Board Member (1)
• OTA Student Board Member (1)

🗓 Nomination deadline: April 15, 2026
📧 Submit nominations to: office@ncota.org

Self-nominations are welcome. Please include a brief statement of interest and your resume/CV.

Nominees (except student members) must be an OT/L or OTA/L licensed for at least one year and a current NCOTA member. No prior board experience is required—we are seeking passionate individuals who are eager to make change for OT practice in North Carolina.

Those selected will be notified by the end of May 2026. Terms begin July 1 and last for two years, with transition support provided throughout June.

Questions about open positions are welcome, and interviews with current board members can be arranged for those considering nomination.

Thank you for considering service to our profession! 💙

03/15/2026

🚨 Exciting News for NCOTA Members! 🚨

You asked for a more modern website, easier access to information, and better ways to connect with OTs across North Carolina — and we listened! 👂✨

NCOTA is launching a NEW online community platform powered by Circle to create a more dynamic space for members to connect and collaborate.

With the new platform you’ll be able to:
💬 Join social-media–style discussion groups
🤝 Connect with OT colleagues across NC
📚 Access updates and resources in one place
🧠 Join topic-based communities for practice areas & interests
📱 Stay engaged anywhere with the Circle mobile app

Our goal is to create a space where we can share ideas, support one another, and strengthen OT across North Carolina.

🗓 Launch Date: April 1
📧 In April, watch your inbox for an email with instructions to activate your account and join the new community!

We’re excited to take this next step together and continue building a strong, connected OT community in NC.

💙 Thank you for being part of NCOTA!

03/03/2026

Reminder: NCOTA student scholarships close March 19th! Get your applications in!

The NC Occupational Therapy Association (NCOTA) is North Carolina’s leading association for occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and occupational therapy students. Headquartered in Raleigh and affiliated with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), NCOTA was found...

03/02/2026

🌟 We Need YOU, North Carolina OT Leaders! 🌟

The North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association (NCOTA) is searching for passionate, dedicated professionals to serve on our Board of Directors!

NCOTA works to impact healthcare, legislative, and reimbursement communities as advocates for both the consumer and our profession. We promote professional education, communication, and stay responsive to the ever-changing needs of OT practice across North Carolina.

💼 Board Members Help To:
• Guide the direction and management of the association
• Take responsibility for projects
• Recruit and engage members
• Attend 6 meetings per year (virtual & in-person)
• Support and promote the annual conference
• Share updates for the website
• Monitor trends impacting OT practice

🗳️ Elected Positions Available:

• Secretary (1)
• OTA Representative (1)
• Membership Services Co-Chair (2)

📌 Appointed Positions Available:

• NBCOT Liaison (1)
• Communications Co-Chair (1)
• SIS Administration & Leadership Co-Chair (1)
• SIS Home Health Co-Chair (2)
• OT Student Board Member (1)
• OTA Student Board Member (1)

📅 Nominations Due: March 30, 2026
📧 Send nominations to: office@ncota.org

(Self-nominations are welcome!)

Please include a brief statement of interest and your resume/CV.

🗓️ Elections: April 1–30, 2026
📣 Notifications: By end of May 2026
📆 Terms begin July 1, 2026 (2-year term)

✔️ All nominees (except students) must be licensed OT/L or OTA/L for at least one year and be a current NCOTA member.
✔️ No prior board experience required — just passion and a desire to make change for OT practice in NC!

Questions are welcome, and interviews with current board members can be arranged. Transition support will be provided in June to ensure a smooth onboarding experience.

💙 Consider serving and helping shape the future of occupational therapy in North Carolina!

02/16/2026

🎓 REMINDER: Apply for the Jane Davis Rourk NCOTA Scholarship! 🎓

The deadline is almost here! In honor of Jane’s incredible legacy in school-based practice, leadership, and mentorship, the North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association, in partnership with the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, is offering this scholarship to support OT and OTA students across North Carolina.

✨ Eligibility:
✔️ Enrolled in an accredited OTA or OT program in North Carolina
✔️ Current NCOTA member

🗓️ Application closes:
📅 February 20

📝 Apply through the AOTF Scholarship Portal:
👉 www.aotf.org/scholarships

Help continue Jane’s lasting impact on the OT profession—apply today or tag/share with a deserving student! 💙

Over 50 OT scholarships available ranging from $150 to $5,000

02/10/2026

Reminder! There is still time to sign up!

📣 Course Offering – Register Today! 📣

SOS Approach to Feeding Training Course

📍 Charlotte, NC
📅 March 26–29, 2026

SOS Approach To Feeding

02/02/2026

📣 Calling all Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Educators and Coordinators! 📣

We’re excited to share that Duke University is hosting the AOTA Fieldwork Educator Certificate Workshop this March! 🎓✨

📅 When: March 17–18, 2026
📍 Where: Duke University — Interprofessional Education Building (Durham, NC)
📚 Advance your skills in fieldwork education, earn 15 contact hours (1.5 AOTA CEUs), and engage with expert instructors Sue Friguglietti and Donald Howard in person. You’ll gain tools in supervision, education, evaluation, and administration to elevate your fieldwork experiences.

🔗 Learn more & register here: https://myaota.aota.org/event-information?id=a0lRi000004BBfNIAW

Whether you’re new to fieldwork education or want to strengthen your practice, this workshop is a valuable opportunity to grow and connect with peers! 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

American Occupational Therapy Association 7501 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814-6519 phone: 1-800-729-2682 email: customerservice@aota.org

01/28/2026

🧠Calling All NCOTA Pediatric Occupational Therapy Practitioners 🧠

You are invited to participate in a brief survey to gauge interest in attending a virtual CE event for statewide collaboration on occupational therapy’s role in supporting executive functioning in children and adolescents.

Use the link below to access the brief survey:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1G4YlntOa3fyFh6NfXczz3X1hDICvFGSV8rKy5F6QKr4/viewform?edit_requested=true