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Advocacy in Action
The decisions made at the Capitol directly impact occupational therapy practice across Iowa. From reimbursement and scope of practice to access to care, healthcare policy shapes how we serve our clients every day.
That’s why advocacy is central to IOTA’s work.
We actively represent occupational therapy through both grassroots engagement and professional advocacy. Members are encouraged to build relationships with their legislators and share their stories, helping policymakers better understand the value of occupational therapy in their communities.
IOTA partners with Advocacy Strategies, led by Threase Harms, to provide year round representation at the Iowa Capitol. Their team monitors legislation, tracks administrative rules, and advocates on our behalf to protect access to services, safeguard scope of practice, and support sustainable reimbursement.
If keeping up with politics feels overwhelming or simply isn’t your focus, that’s okay. Your membership ensures occupational therapy still has a strong, consistent voice at the table. We stay engaged so you can focus on your patients.
Together, we strengthen the future of occupational therapy in Iowa.
Advocacy happens year round
In addition to grassroots efforts, IOTA engages a professional lobbyist to represent occupational therapy at the Capitol. This is one of the organization’s largest investments and one of our most important.
Our lobbyist monitors legislation and administrative rules, communicates directly with lawmakers, and ensures occupational therapy has a seat at the table when decisions are made that affect our profession. This proactive presence helps protect access to services, reduce administrative burdens, and safeguard the future of occupational therapy practice in Iowa.
Contact Your Legislators
Connecting with your elected officials is one of the most effective ways to advocate for occupational therapy. When legislators hear directly from practitioners in their communities, they gain a clearer understanding of the value of our work and the issues that impact the people we serve.
Getting started is simple.
Step 1: Find your legislators
Visit the Iowa Legislature website and enter your address to identify your State Senator and Representative:
https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/find
Step 2: Reach out
Email, call, or schedule a brief conversation. Share who you are, where you practice, and how occupational therapy supports your community.
Personal stories make the biggest impact. Consider including:
how long you have practiced
the setting or community you serve
the types of clients or families you support
why occupational therapy access matters locally
Step 3: Keep us in the loop
Let IOTA know how the conversation went or share any feedback you receive. Your insights help guide our ongoing advocacy efforts.
Helpful links
Senate directory: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/senate
House directory: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/house
For additional advocacy support, contact Denise Behrends at denise.behrends@va.gov.
Together, our collective voices strengthen occupational therapy across Iowa.
Our Partnership with American Occupational Therapy Association
IOTA works closely with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) to stay informed, connected, and effective in our advocacy efforts. Through this partnership, we gain insight into how legislation is impacting practice across the country, collaborate on national initiatives such as compact licensure, and participate in leadership forums like the Affiliated State Association Presidents meeting held each year at the Inspire conference.
We are proud that IOTA’s work has been recognized nationally, receiving awards from AOTA in both 2024 and 2025 for outstanding leadership and impact.
| Meet Your RA RepresentativeIOTA members have a direct voice at the national level through our Representative to the American Occupational Therapy Association Representative Assembly (RA). The Representative Assembly helps shape professional policy, practice standards, and the future direction of occupational therapy across the country. Members play an important role in this process by sharing ideas, concerns, and emerging issues from everyday practice. If there is a topic you believe AOTA should address, clarify, or take action on, you can submit a Request for Action (RFA). Your insight helps guide national priorities and ensures Iowa practitioners are represented in important decisions affecting our profession. If you have questions about the process or would like support in developing an idea, please connect with: Diana Feldhacker, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, BCPR Your voice matters, and your participation helps strengthen occupational therapy both in Iowa and nationwide. |
