Austin Community College (ACC) students and faculty join hundreds of healthcare advocates from across the state for Occupational Therapy Day at the Texas Capitol. The group will gather 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 19, to raise awareness of issues critical to occupational therapists.

“The decisions made at the legislature have a direct impact on the services we can provide, employment opportunities and most importantly those decisions impact who can receive Occupational Therapy,” says Estrella Barrera, Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) department chair. “The opportunity allows our students to see the power their voices have in advocacy for the profession and clients.”

Sponsored by the Texas Occupational Therapists Association (TOTA), the event gives students and professionals an opportunity to meet with legislators and learn about civic engagement. “Our primary goal this year is to educate our Texas legislators and their staff about the profession of occupational therapy, and what we do. The more members lawmakers we can educate, the better” says Judith Joseph, TOTA Executive Director.

For more information about ACC’s Occupational Therapist Assistant Program, visit austincc.edu/ota.