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 AOTA
Testifies in Congress, Advocates for Research,
Education and Services for the Aging
BETHESDA, Md., March 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Julie Bass Haugen OTR/L,
Ph.D., FAOTA testified before Congress today and strongly advocated
for increased federal funding that will improve client services
while also advancing the profession of occupational therapy.
Appearing before the House Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services, Education and Related Agencies, Dr. Haugen said:
"Occupational therapy is a diverse profession, with much to offer
society with children and adults with disabilities, those who are
aging, people injured needing supports to work, people needing
ergonomically correct workplaces and also in promoting wellness and
healthy lifestyles.
"Virtually all of the service programs under the jurisdiction of the
Subcommittee and occupational therapy has or could have a role in
making those programs work for the American people."
Dr. Haugen outlined four programs under the Subcommittee's jurisdiction
that need strengthening. These include:
Administration on Aging
* $3 million for increased efforts needed to test and bring to market
assistive technologies of value to older Americans.
Center for
Disease Control
* $3 Million for CDC's Falls Prevention Program and Older Driver
Initiatives.
National Institutes of Health and Medical Rehabilitation Research
* 6.7% increase for NIH overall and at least a 6.7% increase for
Medical Rehabilitation Research;
* $5 million increase (above the + 6.7% base adjustment) for the
National Center on Medical and Rehabilitation Research to increase
emphasis on institutional and career development awards to assist
underrepresented health professions including occupational therapy.
Health Resources and Service Administration
* $135 million to restore administration cuts to the Area Health
Education Centers Program; the Health Careers Opportunity Program
and the Centers of Excellence Programs, which are effective in
support of historically black colleges and universities, promotion
of diversity and faculty training.
"Dr. Haugen was a passionate advocate for our profession today," said
Fred Somers, AOTA executive director. "Her testimony highlighted the
clear benefits of occupational therapy services. I urge all
practitioners to contact their members of Congress to support
increased funding for these programs.
For the complete version of Dr. Haugen's testimony, please point your web
browser to -
http://www.aota.org/nu/docs/testimony032707.pdf
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The American Occupational Therapy Association, established in 1917,
represents nearly 35,000 members. AOTA is an active advocate for the
profession, and for individuals who can benefit from occupational
therapy services.
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