What does the AOTA Representative Assembly do?

AOTA’s Representative Assembly (RA), established in 1977, is responsible for the establishment of professional standards and policies. Its actions help set the roadmap for the future of education, practice, policy, and research.

In 2020, the RA Leadership Committee implemented the Request for Action (RFA) process, whereby AOTA members submit ideas for action. Thereby, allowing members to share ideas and identify the current and future needs of the profession.

The functions of the RA include:

  • Formulating, debating, and voting on Request for Actions (RFAs)
  • Charging RA officials, RA bodies, officers of the Association, or the Board of Directors to fulfill approved RFAs
  • Establishing and charging ad hoc committees
  • Electing RA officials and standing committee chairs

An RFA can be submitted by any AOTA member and, Utah’s RA representative can assist you in writing and submitting it.

Utah’s AOTA Representative: Meena Iyer, PhD, OTR/L

Email her at  governance@aota.org

What is the role of the AOTA Representative?

  • To communicate with members in their election area and serve as the liaison between members and the Assembly/Association.
  • To participate in meetings and other forums (https://www.aota.org/community/volunteer-groups/representative-assembly-ra)
  • To assist constituents with influencing policies (develop/write Request for Action)
  • To encourage Association membership
  • To work collaboratively to ensure transition of new reps (recruitment, election, orientation, and mentoring)

 

Where can I find more information?

 

2025-2026 Dates

  • December 31, 2025 - Requests for Action due for Spring 2026 RA Meeting. You can submit your RFA using this form: Request for Action
  • February 2–13, 2026 - CommunOT open for member feedback of RA motions and RFAs
  • February 16-20, 2026 - RA Member Debate Period on CommunOT (Members may observe)
  • April 15, 2026 - Spring RA Meeting 6:00-10:00 PM ET