| Welcome to the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland |
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The Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland works on our Member's behalf with the best interest of the profession and service users in mind. AOTI have developed a modernisation strategy part of which aims to Promote Standards of Practice for occupational therapy in Ireland To facilitate your commitment to high standards of practice, AOTI has developed, and supports: · A Code of Ethics · National and World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) Accreditation of Irish Occupational Therapy Programs in the four Irish Universities · Continuous Professional Development structure and recording system The strategy reflects the need for Sharing Opportunities AOTI run an annual national conference to present national and international research and practice. It is also an ideal opportunity for members to network and get updated on emerging practice and research. The National Conference is organised by AOTI for the benefit of members and the profession. As a member of AOTI, you receive preferential registration rates for the Conference. AOTI validate the qualifications of OT’s trained overseas seeking to work in Ireland. Any OT that trained in a non Irish college has to have this validation prior to commencing work in Ireland. AOTI also Validate the 4 Occupational therapy programmes in the country. Advisory groups are established in key clinical areas. They offer valuable pee support, and support CPD. The advisory groups are the network that is required by AOTI to ensure rapid, informed responses to national service development and legislation implementation. Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy (IJOT) IJOT has been re launched and is an emerging journal and with member support will position itself at the cutting edge of occupational therapy professional journals around the world. IJOT is a peer reviewed journal of professional research and a great resource for evidence based practice in the Irish context. Member Communications The AOTI Newsletter comes out monthly in web format. AOTI wish to have an environmentally sound practice of communication. Anyone wishing to receive a hard copy can request it from the office and be put onto the mailing list. The AOTI Newsletter aims to keep you informed of issues and activities within the profession and the Association, and features a Calendar of CPD Events and a listing of CPD resources. There are also regular updates in relation to work being done on your behalf with the Department of Health and Children and the HSE. The AOTI website is updated frequently to bring you the latest in Association news and views, CPD and other relevant events, and information on professional representation activities. Members are able to gain access to the exclusive "Member Only' pages on the AOTI website. The public information section is currently being developed. Research AOTI encourages and supports research into the field of occupational therapy. AOTI is involved in various research projects, and supports 2 research and practice awards every year. Namely the Ann Beckett award for practice and the Nora Ferris award for research. Advocacy & Representation. AOTI ensures that your voice is heard at a national level. AOTI responds to government policy documents. AOTI relies on the input from the Advisory groups for these responses. Council members have been working with the Department of Health and Children, the therapy advisory unit, the HSE and the Therapy Projects office in relation to a number of pieces of legislation, their development and implementation and a number of National Service reviews e.g. the National Neurology Review. AOTI represented you in discussions about the Disability Act, the EPSEN Act, the Primary Care strategy, the National Implementation group in relation to training and the long awaited Health and Social care professional Act among other agendas. State registration is a statutory requirement concerned with competency to practice and client protection, AOTI will work with members to ensure that standards are developed and maintained. Membership of Advisory Groups: As a member of AOTI you will have the opportunity to join AOTI Advisory Groups. Advisory Groups roles include: 1. The promotion of excellence in practice, with CPD and lifelong learning opportunities offered. 2. The involvement in joint working and partnership with AOTI with regards to events and conferences. 3. Consultation and project work in conjunction with, or on behalf of AOTI. Promote the profession AOTI has a range of promotion strategies to inform the public about occupational therapy, including: · making presentations at various relevant conferences and seminars · distributing press releases to the media · offering promotional items for purchase Contribute to national workforce planning In conjunction with the HSE, AOTI have been working on developing national strategy on work force planning. We have represented you in relation to issues with job descriptions, advertising and the overseas recruitment. Member Benefits Professional indemnity insurance and public liability insurance is negotiated for members, at competitive rates. AOTI negotiated with insurers to provide insurance to both those working privately and those working for organisations and carry our occasional private work. AOTI advocates that any OT working privately should have public liability and professional indemnity insurance. |
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