We launched a campaign to increase member participation in financial support of the OSOT Research Fund. While OSOT has supported $59,000 for Ontario OT research through the OSOTRF in the past 5 years, we know we need to do more AND we know we CAN do more with a just a little support from every member. Please make your $20 (tax deductible!) donation with your online membership renewal.
 

We extended our early graduation recognition to Ontario graduating students by extending COMPLIMENTARY NEW GRADUATE MEMBERSHIP & PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY COVERAGE for 2017-2018!   What better way to honour the significant achievements of our new grads? We hope they'll stay and practice in Ontario, enriching our profession.  New grads! All members join in welcoming and supporting you! Don't forget to confirm your registration for the liability insurance program. Missed our new grad communication? Check it out here.   
 

We communicated to each LHIN CEO to promote occupational therapy as a resource to the provincial Behavioural Supports Ontario program. LHINs are currently reviewing resources and funding of BSO services in their regions and we want them to know how important a resource OTs are to these services targeted to support persons, families and long-term care homes dealing with responsive behaviours often relating to  dementia, complex mental illness, substance use and/or other neurological disorders.
 

We've confirmed dates for OSOT's Fall Regional meetings. You may recall that a component of our 2017 strategic planning provides opportunity for members to engage in bringing their voice, insights, visions and expertise to the development of plans for the future of OT in Ontario. This is one of our OT Month initiatives in 7 sites across the provinces. We hope you can join in as we've got such a great profession to celebrate and plan for! View the schedule, save the date and watch for promotions and registration materials.  
 

We were busy at Queen's Park this month. In addition to the Ministry of Finance we met with Ian Chesny, Senior Policy Advisor to Minister Hoskins, to talk about OT and the controlled act of psychotherapy, to urge proclamation of the act, and secure assurances that the Minister's referral of the issue to the Health Professions Regulatory Council was not related to who would be authorized the controlled act. We also met with Brian Pollard, Director Long-Term Care, MOHLTC as part of our continuing advocacy for OT in Long-Term Care Homes, this time responding to his request for information about OT and falls prevention.  
 

We surveyed our members working in the Auto Insurance Sector to provide input to FSCO relating to the online submission of the Form 1.  Thanks to the over 100 respondents who helped assure we can provide OT insights to the ongoing development of the electronic Form 1 to be submitted through HCAI.  
 

We made a commitment to be a Partner Organization in Ontario's CHANGE DAY ONTARIO. You'll hear lots more about this in conjunction with our OT Month Plans and communications (check your inbox next week!) but we're excited to be working with Health Quality Ontario and other partners to lead a movement committed to making changes (small and large) aimed to  improve compassionate quality care in our province. WE KNOW OTS WILL BE TERRIFIC AMBASSADORS FOR CHANGE!