April is Occupational Therapy Month.  However, we want to help you promote OT throughout the year. Send an email to add your project to the list. 

Print and share some Idaho OT Facts.

Visit the AOTA Promote OT Website.

Contribute to the Idaho OT Awareness Campaign.

SOTA holds annual backpack weigh-in

The Student Occupational Therapy Association at Idaho State University honors National Backpack Awareness Month annually.  Strategies are given to students and parents to prevent serious health problems from overloaded or improperly worn backpacks.  Students of all ages are at risk.  Click  on picture to enlarge.

Some strategies for loading and wearing backpacks are:

• Backpacks should weigh no more than 15% of body weight (15-pound pack on a 100-pound person)

• Load heaviest items closest to the persons back

• Wear both shoulder straps for an evenly balanced load

• Adjust shoulder and waist straps to distribute the burden more evenly along the person's back

• Parents of school children may suggest that teachers consider the total weight of each day's assigned class work - not only in content, but in terms of textbook weight.

Pocatello Mayor bestows proclamation on SOTA

The Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) at Idaho State University celebrated OT Awareness Month with a mayoral proclamation documenting the contributions OTs and OTAs make to their community.

2005 file picture, click to enlarge

Southwest District endorses an awareness campaign

Use this informational flyer to remind other healthcare professionals when to refer to an OT. 

St. Luke's - Idaho Elks Rehab recognizes their OTs and OTAs.   Click on the link to view an advertisement that ran in the Idaho Statesman.

IOTA encourages Backpack Safety

IOTA encourages parents and teachers to keep our students healthy by packing it light and wearing it right.  Please read more:

Intro to Backpack Awareness by Jeanette Runnings, OTR/L

Backpack Strategies by AOTA