A Message from DOTA

As occupational therapy practitioners we all have the core desire, duty, and the privilege of empowering people with the tools to promote meaningful engagement in their lives. As such, our Code Of Ethics urges us to demonstrate humility & sensitivity that promotes inclusivity without harmful actions towards any person (7C) and calls on us to not engage in any action that contributes to violence (7D). The recent violence and unlawful assault on the U.S. Capitol, contradicts our core values and code of ethics for which we should always strive to adhere. Engagement in these events are in violation of who we are, and what we stand for as a profession. 

DOTA strongly condemns the violence, and ongoing threats of violence, occurring across our country. We encourage you all, as occupational therapy practitioners, to consider and acknowledge how these actions may have affected your family, friends, co-workers, and clients. We urge you to cultivate spaces rooted in professional civility and utilize your skills to promote healing in your community. We urge you to come together to provide solutions to promote the unity and healing of the divisions in our community and those most impacted by it. 

AOTA Board of Directors’ Statement on the U.S. Capitol Breach and Ongoing Threats of Violence