Each year, AOTA recognizes and honors colleagues who have made significant contributions to the profession of occupational therapy through an annual nomination process in which members are encouraged to participate.  The Awards & Recognitions Committee is responsible for reviewing nominations and making final selections from each of the outstanding candidates received.  This tradition is a source of pride within the profession.  Additionally, it provides an opportunity to increase public awareness and focus public attention on the contributions of individuals, but also the profession as a whole.  The following is a list of awards available for nomination.

OT Award of Merit (Est. 1950)

Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship Award (Est. 1954)

Award for the Advancement of Occupational Therapy (Est. 1973 - Certificate of Appreciation; 2015 renamed)

Roster of Fellows (Est. 1973)

OTA Award of Excellence (Est. 1976)

Roster of Honor (Est. 1979)

Lindy Boggs Award (Est. 1982)

Health Advocate Award (Est. 1983)

Terry Brittell OTA/OT Partnership Award (Est. 1991)

Recognition of Achievement Award (Est. 1996)

Gary Kielhofner Emerging Leader Award (Est. 2011)

Outstanding Mentor Award (Est. 2011)

Outstanding Student Advocate Award (Est. 2015)

Emerging and Innovative Practice Award (Est. 2015)

Distinguished Fieldwork Educator Award (Est. 2015)

International Service Award (Est. 2015) 

Interprofessional Collaboration Award (Est. 2015)

Distinguished Educator Award (Est. 2019)

Dr. Lela A. Llorens Award of Excellence for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (Est. 2023)

Rev. 07/2023

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