Michigan Occupational Therapy Association

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The Michigan Occupational Therapy Association welcomes all therapists, assistants, students, and educators in the profession of occupational therapy to explore and enjoy this website.

Patients and their family members and advocates will find information about how the OT practitioners across the state can help them to participate fully and perform at the highest level within their personal life roles...truly living life to it's fullest!

As you use this site you will note that some areas are for members only. We wish to thank those members who have demonstrated their support for their profession and this association, which is the Voice of OT within the state of Michigan.

We hope that those who have not yet joined will take this opportunity to become a member of MiOTA. MiOTA is a voluntary professional association of occupational therapy practitioners who are dedicated to supporting the profession through advocacy and communication.

Welcome

MiOTA Member Spotlight

Bridget Daly, OTR/L, LSVT, CAPS

Bridget Daly has always been curious about the world—so much so that in college, she explored nearly every “-ology” she could from sociology and psychology to biology and speech pathology. However, when a neighbor, a registered nurse, took her to visit an In-Patient Rehab Department, she found her true passion.

At the facility, she saw a place called “Easy Street,” designed to simulate real-life activities. Patients were doing therapy in everyday settings: practicing grocery shopping, making beds, vacuuming, and putting on socks, all as part of their therapy. Watching the occupational therapists guide people back to independence, Bridget thought “whatever those therapists are doing, I want to do it.”

Determined, she pursued her education at Western Michigan University, earning her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 1995. Bridget works in a non-traditional OT setting. She is a community-based practitioner at Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels.

When she is not working, Bridget loves spending time outdoors. Whether it’s hiking, kayaking, or taking long walks with her husband and their dog, she finds peace in nature. She also enjoys visiting family and making trips “Up North” to Charlevoix and Traverse City.

One of her successful projects as an OT was developing a Safe Student Handling program for therapists and teachers while working in a Northern Virginia School System from 2008 to 2010. Drawing from her experience with the University of Michigan’s Safe Patient Handling program, she collaborated with a physical therapist to create a training program for school staff. Instead of relying on traditional lifting techniques, they introduced friction-reducing sheets and mechanical lifts to ensure safer handling of students with severe physical impairments. They presented the work at the Virginia Occupational Therapy Association conference.

Bridget has been a member of the Michigan Occupational Therapy Association (MiOTA) since graduation—except for the years she lived out of state when she joined other OT associations. She regularly attends MiOTA’s monthly webinars, shares insights on growing the organization, and helps connect therapists to resources and each other. She provides MI OT updates with colleagues and leadership to keep organizations compliant with any rules/regulation changes.

She believes the benefits of MiOTA membership are clear. The association provides a continuous learning environment through monthly webinars, keeps professionals updated on regulations, and serves as a hub for experienced therapists to share knowledge and advice. Most importantly, MiOTA advocates for the profession, ensuring that occupational therapy remains a vital and recognized service.

Happy Occupational Therapy Month to all our members and to all Occupational Therapy Practitioners.

If you would like to be highlighted or would like to nominate a MiOTA member, please email us at website@miota.org. (Attn: Ray Roche)