Coalition of Occupational
Therapy Advocates for Diversity
Because we need equitable health outcomes now more than ever
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Who we are
Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the world's preeminent occupational therapy organization doing work in justice, equity, diversity, inclusion (JEDI), anti-racism and anti-oppression, we are a network of OT practitioners, students, and educators working to make health equity a priority at all levels of healthcare.
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What we do
We organize events, network, partner, educate, and share resources to address issues of systemic racism and oppression, occupational injustice, healthcare inequity, and structures, policies, and norms that perpetuate race-based advantage in health care, education, and society at large.
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Our why
COTAD operates as group of individuals from across the United States all working towards a common goal of promoting diversity and inclusion within the occupational therapy workforce. We empower occupational therapy leaders to engage in practices that increase diversity, equity and inclusion for a more transformative occupational therapy profession.
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2023 COTAD Award Winners
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Congratulations to Dr. Debi Francis for winning COTAD’s 2023 Outstanding Faculty Award! Dr. Debi Francis is a Clinical Assistant Professor within the Occupational Therapy Program at D’Youville University in Buffalo, New York.Debi was selected for this award secondary to the multiple ways she embodies the vision and supports the mission of COTAD! Debi was nominated for displaying “extensive dedication and devotion to facilitating inclusivity and accessible academia to empower future occupational therapists." "She is the founding faculty advisor for the D’Youville University COTAD Chapter," and she has been the COTAD Chapter advisor for three years. "She goes above and beyond to attend all meetings and events for the COTAD Chapter." “OT students have described Debi as fair, encouraging and exceptionally kind. She will go out of her way to sit down one on one with students to answer questions and go the extra mile to make sure they get enough practice and academic support.” Debi recently completed a Doctor of Science, Rehabilitation and Health Leadership degree at Queen's University in New York. Debi's doctoral work focused on “bringing perspectives of racialized students in higher education to the forefront." Thank you Dr. Debi Francis for all you do for the COTAD community!
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One last congratulations is in store for the winner of the 2023 Excellence in Mentorship Award, Dr. Susan Avila Misciagno! Dr. Susan Avila Misciagno is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Research at Campbell University. She is Board Certified in Gerontology and has served as a COTAD Chapter faculty liaison. She currently serves as the North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association Gerontology Special Interest Section Co-Chair, among other leadership roles, and is a PhD student. Her lived experience includes immigrating to the United States from Colombia and she has broad experience working with bilingual rural and community populations. She was nominated by her pre-OT mentee, Ashley Rodriguez, who is now a 1st year OT student. Her goal is “to support minorities and older individuals with limited access to resources, limited social capital, and diminished opportunities.” Thank you for guidance and mentorship in the COTAD community!
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Congratulations to Washington University’s COTAD Chapter for winning our Chapter of the Year Award! Washington University’s COTAD chapter has worked to extend COTAD’s mission and vision into their academic program and community through 10 amazing programs and 5 fundraisers. They have hosted multiple events within a safe space series, organized and implemented an interdisciplinary NARCAN training for nearly 150 students, fostered partnerships with local senior and youth centers both through grant writing and supply collecting, and they have initiated a new Big Sibling mentorship program with a local high school. They continue to demonstrate impactful and sustainable efforts towards COTAD’s mission and vision and we truly look forward to what this chapter and these students will continue to do for their communities and the profession as a whole. Washington University’s chapter will receive a monetary award to promote continued efforts, and we are also very proud to partner with NBCOT and will be awarding all chapter members free study packs and raffle a free NBCOT exam! Thank you to this amazing chapter for creating a safe and inclusive space for students at Washington University!
Notes From the Community
“I want you to know that I have been an active supporter of COTAD since 2017, and I am so thankful that it exists. As a student of color, I have encountered many obstacles through my OT journey, and without COTAD, I might have pursued a different career. Having heard you speak during past COTAD webinars about the OT profession and representation, I have worked even harder in school and stayed persistent in my OT journey. I cannot thank you enough.”
— Robert Freeman
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