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Advocacy Day 2026
Monday, February 16th
8:30 AM–12:30 PM in person
9:00-10:00 am Virtually
VCU College of Health Professions & Virtual via Zoom
Your Voice Matters
The Virginia Occupational Therapy Association invites all OT and OTA practitioners to join us for Advocacy Day 2026, an impactful event where your presence can directly influence the future of occupational therapy in Virginia.
Whether you attend in person or online, this is your opportunity to engage with legislators, elevate the visibility of our profession, and help shape policies that protect and expand access to high-quality OT services.
A Vital Service to Our Profession
Our ability to practice effectively—and for clients to receive the services they need—depends on strong, consistent advocacy. Your individual voice strengthens our collective impact.
Every practitioner who attends helps ensure that decision-makers understand the value of occupational therapy and the needs of the people we serve.
VOTA Advocacy Day Attendee Updates
Thank you for signing up for VOTA's 2026 Advocacy Day! We are so excited to gather with you next week to promote the profession of OT! This year we're starting at VCU's College of Health Professions and then in person attendees will walk over to the General Assembly building for legislative meetings.
In-person attendees should expect to be present from 8:30am - 12:30pm. Synchronous programming for virtual attendees will be from 9am to 10am. We encourage virtual attendees to use the remaining time to call and/or email their state Delegate and Senator as well as review additional resources to be shared the morning of the event. Please find further details below:
VOTA Advocacy Day Date & Time:
Monday, February 16th from 8:30am -12:30pm
Meeting Locations for in-person attendees:
8:30am VCU College of Health Professions
900 E Leigh St, Richmond, VA 23298
10:30am General Assembly Building
201 N 9th St, Richmond, VA 23219
*Note, it's about 10 minute walk (1/4 mile) from VCU to the General Assembly.
We plan to walk together as a group.
Zoom link for virtual attendees:
Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/82706286653?pwd=2TjxnUAbRS9zpWJ03pjgbK3hdanXwS.1
Meeting ID: 827 0628 6653
Passcode: 305519
Agenda:
(underlined items include virtual attendees)
- 8:30-9:00 In-person check-in and refreshments (generously provided by VCU's Occupational Therapy Department)
- 9:00-9:05 Welcome (Savanah Howe, VOTA President)
- 9:05-9:20 Intro to VOTA's Lobbyist and Virginia's General Assembly (Alexander McCauley, Lobbyist | Haley Fisher, VOTA Capstone student)
- 9:20-9:50 VOTA's 2026 Legislative Agenda (Caitlyn Berry, VOTA Legislative Chair)
- 9:50-10:00 Presidential Updates (Savanah Howe)
- 10:00 Walk to the General Assembly
- 10:30 - 12:15 Legislative Meetings in General Assembly Building
- 12:30 Meet for group picture and wrap up
Parking:
We recommend parking near the VCU College of Health Professions, as parking near the General Assembly building is more expensive. There is metered street parking available, but it's limited to 2 hours max time.
The closest option to VCU is the Coliseum Parking Deck (501 N 7th St). If you want a parking option that's more in-between VCU and the General Assembly for a shorter walk later in the day, the 7th & Marshall Garage (319 N 7th St) is another good option. Both provide public parking at $5/hour or $20/day.
We highly recommend carpooling for cost savings.
Further resources to support legislative meetings and your meeting schedule will be shared at the advocacy day event. We look forward to you joining us as we collectively advocate for occupational therapy and the communities we serve!
Questions? Email Caitlyn Berry, VOTA Legislative Chair at legislation.vota@gmail.com
