VOTA is Virginia's leading organization for occupational therapy practitioners and students. VOTA is committed to advocating for and further developing the profession of occupational therapy in our state.

VOTA's Communities of Practice
VOTA has developed a range of virtual Communities of Practice (CoPs) as an evidence-based strategy for building networking opportunities and professional occupational therapy connections across the state. CoPs allow occupational therapy practitioners, students and educators to connect across geographical boundaries and to focus on shared interests or concerns. As a VOTA member benefit, CoPs facilitate connections between members and strengthen not only individual practice, but also the organization.


What is a Community of Practice?
A community of practice (CoP) is a “group of people who share a concern, a set of problems, or a passion about a topic, and who deepen their knowledge and expertise in this area by interacting on an ongoing basis” (Wenger et. al., 2002, p.4.). CoPs are social learning groups that focus on networking, sharing information, and creating new knowledge together to advance a domain of professional practice.  


What are the benefits of a CoP?

CoPs provide opportunities for participants to come together and have a shared learning experience around a common passion or interest. This can happen virtually, making participation possible across a wide geographical area and without the need for travel time! CoPs are a good fit for individuals at all stages of their career as they focus on the sharing of experiences and ideas.

What is the purpose of a CoP? 

    • Engage people in learning more about a common theme, topic, passion or interest.

    • Provide a shared context for people to communicate and share information, stories, and personal experiences in a way that builds understanding and insight.  
    • Enable dialogue between people who come together to explore new possibilities, solve challenging problems, and create new opportunities.  
    • Stimulate learning through collaborative processes that include communication, coaching, and self-reflection. 
    • Share knowledge and explore evidence-based practices.
    • Facilitate knowledge translation and ultimately improve practice in changing contexts.

CoP Facilitator Guide
VOTA Community of Practice Guidelines


If you are interested in starting up a CoP, please contact Pam Stephenson at pstephenson@marybaldwin.edu

Did you know that you can use time engaging in CoPs as continuing education for licensure renewal? All you have to do is keep a log with the date, duration, and topic, which you can submit in the case of an audit!

Communities of Practice Forums and Information
Click name of CoP for forum. Membership required to access

Adult


The Adult Community of Practice (CoP) is a group of OTs and OTAs from around the state who gather virtually to share experiences & ideas as well as collaborate about practice.  Practitioners come from a variety of practice areas including acute care, rehab, home health, long term care, and outpatient.  Our meetings offer opportunities to talk about practice challenges, learn from guest speakers, and review current evidence.  Please join us!

Mental Health


This CoP is open to anyone looking to help advance OT's role in mental health throughout the lifespan. Topics include advocacy, the unique roles of OT in mental health. trauma informed care, and more! Together we hope to open the discussion around increasing OTs presence and involvement in mental health settings and promote the impact of mental health in all practice areas to enhance holistic care and improve function.  

Pediatric


This CoP is for inpatient, outpatient and early intervention providers. Topics covered include behavioral management, feeding, documentation, PCIT, communication with families, and mentoring. Look for future topics that cover all areas of occupation for the birth to 21 age group. Contact if you have a topic you want to discuss!

School-Based


The School CoP is for practitioners to share experiences and ideas as well as collaborate about school-based practice. Topics include legislation, inclusion, collaboration, IEPs, and more. Our meetings offer opportunities to talk about practice challenges, learn from guest presenters, and review current evidence.

Women’s Health


This CoP provides a platform where like-minded individuals can connect to discuss the role expansion and advocacy work of OTPs in addressing factors that are unique to supporting the health of women, representing a broad range of backgrounds and with different life stories, within medical, educational, and community-based settings.

Communities of Practice Calendar of Events

Adult


Tuesday January 24 (7-8pm)

Discussion of AOTA's Choosing Wisely campaign and recommendations. Learn more about Choosing Wisely here


Tuesday February 28 (7-8pm)

Continued discussion of Choosing Wisely campaign and how to implement into practice


Tuesday March 28 (7-8pm)

Guest presentation: showering after a cardiac procedure

Mental Health


Monday February 13 (7-8pm)

Topic TBA


Monday March 13 (7-8pm)

Topic TBA

Pediatric


Monday February 20 (8-9pm)

ABA and OT journal article review


Monday March 20 (8-9pm)

Co-treatment with physical and speech therapists

School-Based


Wednesday January 11 (7-8pm)

Topic- TBA

Women’s Health

Tuesday January 17 (7-8pm)
Introduction, meet and greet, future planning


Tuesday March 21 (7-8pm)

Topic- TBA


Tuesday May 16 (7-8pm)

Topic- TBA

Contact Us8100 Three Chopt Road, OMG Suite 226| Richmond | VA | 23229
T: (804) 523-2911
office@vaota.org
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