The 2026 Award Nominations Window is Open from August 7, 2025, at 11:59 am EDT (just before noon) and closes on September 11, 2025, at 11:59 am EDT (just before noon)

All nominations must be submitted via AOTA’s online awards platform.

Prior to nominating an individual for an award, it is strongly recommended that you read the Awards FAQs.

To complete a nomination, you’ll need the nominee’s AOTA member number, a current CV or résumé, and a professional photo. The online system allows you to save your progress, so you don’t need to finish in one session. Be sure not to click “Submit” until all required sections are fully completed.

General Information & Procedures

• Each year, all nominees are reviewed for their contributions and impact on the occupational therapy profession. If a nominee is not selected, they may be nominated again in future years.
• Nominations must be submitted by individuals or organizations who are current AOTA members. Self-nominations are not accepted. All nominees, whether occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, or students, must be members in good standing at the time of both nomination and award presentation.
• Some awards are open to individuals or organizations outside the occupational therapy profession. Specifically, the Health Advocate Award and the Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Occupational Therapy may be awarded to non-OT practitioners.
• Group nominations are accepted for select awards, including the Outstanding Student Advocate Award, the Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Occupational Therapy, and the Interprofessional Collaboration Award.

All awards will be formally presented during AOTA INSPIRE26 in Anaheim, California.

To make the nomination, please go to https://aotaawards.secure-platform.com:443/a/solicitations/203/home

Questions and requests for clarification can be e-mailed to the Awards & Recognitions Committee.

Rev. 07/2025

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