About AOTI

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The Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland works on behalf of its members with the best interests of the profession and service users in mind.

AOTI has 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 Programmes in the four Irish Universities
  • Continuous Professional Development structure and recording system
  • The strategy reflects the need for Sharing Opportunities

AOTI runs 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, you receive preferential registration rates for the Conference.

AOTI validates the qualifications of OTs 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 validates the four Occupational therapy programmes in the country.

Advisory groups are established in key clinical areas. These offer valuable peer 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 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.

In addition to receiving your IJOT quarterly, you can access the electronic version via the web site at any time.

Member Communications

The AOTI Newsletter comes out monthly in web format. AOTI wishes 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 work with the Department of Health and Children, the therapy advisory unit, the HSE and the Therapy Projects office in relation to proposed legislation, their development and implementation and a number of National Service reviews. AOTI represents its members 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:

  • The promotion of excellence in practice, with CPD and lifelong learning opportunities offered.
  • The involvement in joint working and partnership with AOTI with regards to events and conferences.
  • 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 has 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 out occasional private work. AOTI advocates that any OT working privately should have public liability and professional indemnity insurance.