A live, virtual course from MGB Spaulding Rehabilitation
Tuesday, November 10th, 2026
Virtual via Zoom
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (0.15 CEU / Contact Hours)
On -Demand: The recording of this course will be available from 11/12/2026 through 11/12/2031
Occupational therapy practitioners bring valuable clinical expertise and firsthand knowledge of the needs of individuals and communities, positioning them to be powerful advocates for change. This interactive webinar will introduce the health policymaking process and explore opportunities for occupational therapists to influence policy at the organizational, state, and federal levels. Participants will examine current federal legislative and policy issues affecting occupational therapy and apply practical advocacy strategies, including grassroots engagement, storytelling, and strategic written communication. Through interactive activities and real-world examples, participants will develop skills to translate their professional experiences into compelling advocacy messages and identify actionable ways to engage with policymakers, organizations, and advocacy initiatives.
Continuing Education Credits Anticipated: AOTA (OT)
FREE with Coupon Code: OTADVOCACY
Learning Outcomes
Following this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe how health policy is developed and identify opportunities for occupational therapy practitioners to influence the policymaking process at the organizational, state, and federal levels.
- Apply practical advocacy strategies, including grassroots engagement, storytelling, and strategic written communication, to translate clinical experiences and client needs into compelling advocacy messages.
- Examine current federal policy and legislative issues affecting occupational therapy
Sarah McKinnon, OT, OTD, OTR, BCPR, MPA, FAOTA, FNAP is Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy and Program Director of the Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) at Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions and an educator, researcher, author, and advocate committed to advancing the voice of occupational therapy. Her scholarship and teaching focus on advocacy education, professional identity, leadership, and preparing health professionals to translate their expertise into meaningful action. Dr. McKinnon is the author and editor of Advocacy and Policy for the Health Professions, a textbook designed to make advocacy practical and actionable across the health professions. She is also the author of the Small Tots children’s book series, including The Cheerful Chip and The Frantic Fry, which uses playful storytelling to help children explore authenticity, balance, and well-being. Across her work, she is passionate about the power of storytelling to educate, connect, and inspire change.
Target Audience: Occupational Therapists
Instructional Level: Introductory
Prerequisites: None
Course Completion Requirements: Attendance at the full session (partial credit is not available), completion of the post-course learning outcome assessment with passing score, completion of the post-course evaluation, and completion of the certificate request form.
Cancellation Policy: MGB Spaulding Rehabilitation (SR) reserves the right to adjust components of this program or to cancel the program for unexpected occurrences. Notice of changes or cancellation will be provided expediently. Upon cancellation of a course, a refund for the price paid for the course will be given. A processing fee of $10 may be charged when the registrant provides written notice of cancellation of their attendance less than 7 business days prior to the program date. Tuition is non-refundable if the registrant does not provide notice of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the program date. SR apologizes but will not be responsible for inconveniences incurred due to program changes.
Speaker Disclosures: Sarah McKinnon is a salaried employee of Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions. Sarah receives compensation in the form of Royalties from AOTA and Cognella as a Textbook Author. Sarah receives compensation in the form of consulting fees as the Program Director of Southie OT. There are no other financial or non-financial disclosures to share, and all potential conflicts have been mitigated through speaker integrity attestation and prereview of course material to assure unbiased content.
MGB Spaulding Rehabilitation is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# [pending]. This Live; Distance Learning – Interactive; Distance Learning – Independent course is offered at 0.15 CEUs, Introductory level, Professional Issues category pending approval. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.
