OT day makes me feel especially energized. This year’s theme, “Occupational Therapy for Everyone,” hits home for me in ways that I hadn’t quite anticipated, particularly after attending the first COTEC conference in Krakow, Poland. The experience was such a game-changer, expanding my understanding of what OT can achieve on a broader scale. It was a week filled with conversations, new ideas, and a lot of inspiration—all of which have stuck with me as I continue on my journey as an OT in the disability field.

Krakow was electric with OTs from across Europe (I had never seen so many OTs in one spot), each bringing unique perspectives on the profession and sharing the challenges faced in their fields. Each session—whether it was a talk, workshop, or casual conversation—left me buzzing with ideas. I met people who are tackling OT’s toughest challenges, from breaking down social stigmas to advocating for better disability rights policies. These are the kinds of topics that light a fire under you, and by the end of the week, I found myself with a notebook full of new ideas.

I’ve been working in the disability sector for eight years now, and each day reminds me of the power of OT—not just in improving the day-to-day for individuals but in creating a ripple effect across communities and even policies. My time in Krakow gave me a fresh perspective on what OT can accomplish at every level. More importantly, it made me think about my own path and what I want to bring to this field. Seeing all these passionate professionals working to make OT accessible to everyone reinforced my commitment to advocate harder and aim higher for my clients.

Since Krakow, I’ve been thinking a lot about where my work is headed. About venturing into different areas that could give me more of a voice in advocating for my clients in bigger ways. This isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about being able to impact policies and services that could make a real difference in people’s lives. I feel that same drive I felt at the conference, and I’m ready to channel it into this next chapter.

World OT Day is a great reminder of how far we’ve come and where we’re going. OT truly is for everyone, and I’m more motivated than ever to keep pushing for a world where everyone can participate fully in life. This day is about celebrating our shared mission and looking forward to the difference we can still make.