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Are you a Massachusetts-based OT, OTA or OT student interested gaining knowledge and skills in advocacy? Join the newly founded MAOT Advocacy SIG to connect with advocacy experts, learn about legislative priorities affecting the provision of OT services, and skills to act as an advocate on the individual, institutional and systemic level. Email info@maot.org

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Volunteer adaptive ski instructor, Level I PSIA Certified Adaptive Ski Instructor and Level II Fieldwork Educator.

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Part-time faculty and clinical access specialist at the OT CLiPR.

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Mary O'Donnell PPOTD Innovation Project Final Presentation

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I am a Massachusetts-based occupational therapist passionate about occupational therapy's role in promoting health and participation among historically underserved populations. As part of my Innovation Project (Doctoral Capstone project) within the PP-OTD program at the MGH Institute of Health Professions, I developed an advocacy campaign to improve access to early intervention for young children experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts. I hope to inspire fellow OTPs and occupational therapy students to act as advocates for their patients and communities through actions large and small.

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Occupational Therapist, OTR, OTD
Spaulding Outpatient Center for Children

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White Paper: Childhood Homelessness & Early Care

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White Paper: Childhood Homelessness & Early Care

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White Paper- Childhood Homelessness & Early Care Final

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Email: modonnell23@partners.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-o-donnell-559574a5/

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Advocacy for Improved Access to EI for Children and Families Experiencing Homelessness in MA

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Advocacy for Improved Access to EI for Children and Families Experiencing Homelessness in MA

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Children exposed to homelessness experience double the rate of developmental delay and higher rates of social emotional challenges compared to housed peers. Unfortunately, this population also experiences significant difficulty accessing free, federally-mandated early intervention services due to policies and programs that are not inclusive to their needs. Occupational therapists can and should be involved in direct care and advocacy for this population. To learn more about this problem, please see attached literature synthesis.