THE CENTENNIAL VISION

As the occupational therapy profession nears its 100th anniversary in the United States, the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA) has established their centennial vision. This vision includes eight basic elements that will assist the profession in preparing for the future, communicating its’ tremendous value to the public, linking education, research and practice and continuing to build within the OT community.

By the year 2017,

“We envision that occupational therapy is a powerful, widely recognized, science-driven and evidence-based profession with a globally connected and diverse workforce meeting society’s occupational needs.”

There are eight elements of the Centennial Vision:

1. Expanded Collaboration for Success
We envision that occupational therapy is a critical partner in expanded alliances
concerned with health and wellness locally and globally;

2. The Power To Influence
We envision that the occupational therapy profession will have the power to
influence decisions and key decision makers to enhance the profession and the
lives and participation of the people we serve;

3. Membership Is a Professional Responsibility
We envision that AOTA membership is an implicit professional responsibility of
the occupational therapy community;

4. A Well-Prepared Diverse Workforce
We envision that the occupational therapy profession will have a well-prepared
diverse workforce to meet society’s occupational needs;

5. A Clear, Compelling Image
We envision that the occupational therapy profession will be the provider of
choice for challenges related to everyday life and occupations;

6. Customers Demand Occupational Therapy 
We envision that society recognizes the contribution of occupational therapy to
health and wellness and demands access to services;

7. Evidence-Based Decision Making
We envision that providers, payers, and consumers of occupational therapy
utilize readily available evidence in decision making;

8. Science-Fostered Innovation in Occupational Therapy Practice
We envision that science will be successful in competitive, interdisciplinary
arenas that give understanding to guide our practice.

"Those who founded our profession had a vision: that occupational therapy would study and use occupation as it influences health and would educate people about its value. Many, many advances are making our founders' vision a reality. As we get closer to the actual Centennial celebration, it is a time for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to seize the opportunities of those changes in the health care system that place value on health and participation. We must use our knowledge and skills to be very visible with our contributions, which improve the quality of the lives of those we serve."