The University of Florida Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) is an organization of volunteers who create and stimulate an interest in the field of occupational therapy among University of Florida students and the Gainesville community. UF students enrolled in the OTD program are welcome to join!
Our mission
The Student Occupational Therapy Association’s mission is to serve the community in areas related to occupational therapy while developing members’ skills as future clinicians and community building with social activities and service projects.
We encourage personal growth and knowledge of current trends in occupational therapy to students interested in the field with guest speakers and opportunities to gain hands on experience serving alongside occupational therapists.
What we do
Professional development
SOTA provides members with opportunities to attend professional development events in order to develop their skills as future clinicians, rehabilitators, and educators. Through these events, members can explore opportunities for clinical practice, interact with professors and licensed occupational therapists, and gain a better understanding of the health professions.
Service
SOTA is a service-based organization that works with many groups around Gainesville, Florida. These events allow members to raise awareness regarding occupational therapy practices and participate in unique hands-on opportunities and personal interactions with a variety of populations within the community.
Fundraisers
SOTA hosts a variety of fundraising events within the community in order to sponsor local organizations and assist them in achieving their mission to educate and advocate for underrepresented populations. Fundraising events provide an opportunity for members to promote the organization’s mission and stimulate interest in the field of occupational therapy.
Socials
Social events emphasize the importance of networking and social interaction with peers and future colleagues. SOTA provides interactive and enjoyable opportunities to connect with classmates, instructors, and OTD students.
SOTA leadership
President
Layton Corless
Vice President
Angely Rosas
Secretary
Kelly Leal
Treasurer
Erica Manning
Outreach chair
Aya Alkadri
Professional Development chair
Avery Huddleston
Service chair
Brooke Herrman
Fundraising chair
Olivia Torre
Social chair
Amy Liebler
orientation co-chairs
Alexa Gonzalez and Megan McLaughlin
Assembly of Student Delegates of AOTA
Andrea Pena and Chloe Prewitt
What is occupational therapy?
As defined by the American Occupational Therapy Association, occupational therapy, or OT, enables people of all ages to participate in daily living. OT help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities.
Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes. Occupational therapy services typically include
- an individualized evaluation, during which the client/family and occupational therapist determine the person’s goals
- customized intervention to improve the person’s ability to perform daily activities and reach the goals
- an outcomes evaluation to ensure that the goals are being met and/or make changes to the intervention plan
Occupational therapy services may include comprehensive evaluations of the client’s home and other environments (e.g., workplace, school), recommendations for adaptive equipment and training in its use, and guidance and education for family members and caregivers. OT practitioners have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team.
Connect with us
To learn more about joining SOTA, upcoming events and activities, check us out on Instagram!