In this episode of OT JEDI, we sit down with Clarice Grote, occupational therapist, advocate, and founder of Amplify OT, to explore the critical intersection of occupational therapy and healthcare policy. Clarice shares her journey from Columbia University to Capitol Hill, detailing how her experiences shaped her passion for advocacy, equity, and policy-driven change.

We discuss how Medicare and healthcare policies impact OT practice, reimbursement, and access to care, and Clarice breaks down these complex systems into actionable strategies for OTs.

She offers insights on how OTs can become effective advocates, address healthcare inequities, and use policy as a tool for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to expand your impact, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways to help bridge the gap between policy and practice.

Listen for an inspiring discussion on how OTs can amplify their voices, navigate healthcare policy with confidence, and drive meaningful change in the profession.

Resources

The OT Amplifier Collective - Amplifyot.com/membership

AOTA’s advocacy page - AOTA.org/advocacy

Here is where you can contact your legislators - AOTA.org/takeaction

The Amplify OT Podcast podcast - podcast.amplifyot.com

In this episode on the OT JEDI Podcast, I'm thrilled to welcome Sarah Vines, who shares her incredible work supporting individuals after top surgery. Sarah discusses best practices for gender-affirming care, the critical role of mental health in the process, and how occupational therapy can make a difference in the lives of transgender clients.

Resources

WPATH Standards 8: https://www.wpath.org/media/cms/Documents/SOC%20v7/SOC%20V7_English.pdf

A Clinician's Guide to Gender-Affirming Care: https://www.newharbinger.com/9781684030521/a-clinicians-guide-to-gender-affirming-care/

An introductory resource created by Dr. Sarah Vines is available on COTAD's site: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/606b6cc4347e673687921b0e/t/64f0d99a66448a49ac21e769/1693505950408/COTAD+Practicum+Project+%284%29.pdf

ACLU Legislative updates: https://www.aclu.org/legislative-attacks-on-lgbtq-rights-2024

HRC state legislative map: https://www.hrc.org/resources/attacks-on-gender-affirming-care-by-state-map

Trevor Project 2024 stats: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2024/

References

De Brouwer, I., Elaut, E., Becker-Hebly, I., Heylens, G., Nieder, T. O., van de Grift, T. C., & Kreukels, B. P. C. (2021). Aftercare needs following gender-affirming surgeries: Findings from the ENIGI multicenter European follow-up study. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 18(11), 1921–1932. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.08.005

Kcomt, L., Gorey, K. M., Barrett, B. J., & McCabe, S. E. (2020). Healthcare avoidance due to anticipated discrimination among transgender people: A call to create trans-affirmative environments. SSM - Population Health, 11, 100608–100608. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.ssmph.2020.100608

Grant, J. M., Mottet, L. A., Tanis, J. J., & Min, D. (2011). Transgender discrimination survey. National Center for Transgender Equality and National Gay and Lesbian Task Force: Washington, DC, USA.

Mikulak, M., Ryan, S., Ma, R., Martin, S., Stewart, J., Davidson, S., & Stepney, M. (2021). Health professionals' identified barriers to trans health care: a qualitative interview study. British Journal of General Practice, 71(713), e941–e947. https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGP.2021.0179

Rosol, M., Rogers, K., Borsh, R., Pavlinec, R., Russell, M., & Russell, A. N. (2022). Occupational therapy students’ perceived preparedness to work with transgender clients. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 6(3). https://doi.org/10.26681/jote.2022.060302

Stroumsa, D. (2014). The state of transgender health care: Policy, law, and medical frameworks. American Journal of Public Health, 104(3). https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2013.30178

Swenson, R., Alldred, P., & Nicholls, L. (2022). Doing gender and being gendered through occupation: Transgender and non-binary experiences. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 85(6), 446-452. https://doi.org/10.1177/03080226211034422

Last season in episode 5, we explored the history of Black occupational therapists with guest speaker Toni Solaru. She spoke of systemic barriers in legal, governmental, and educational contexts. Highlights included Lela A. Llorens' 1969 Slagle Lecture, the only one by a person of color, and discussions on initiatives like AOTA's 1988 minority recruitment study, the founding of COTAD and BLM in the 2010s, and the addition of DEI as a pillar in Vision 2025. Despite these efforts, AOTA's inconsistent support for BIPOC and individuals with disabilities remains a concern. The discussion also addressed the lack of education on BIPOC history in OT and whether it’s fair to expect BIPOC faculty to take on this responsibility. Lastly, we critiqued how many JEDI and DEI initiatives have been performative and noted their decline in prominence by 2024.

We reconnect with Dr. Solaru to discuss the impactful work of Diverse OT National and the programs they support. She also highlights key initiatives such as Disrupt OT and the Unconference, emphasizing actionable steps and the importance of staying vigilant and informed in advancing equity within the profession.

References and Resources

https://www.blackbeyondthebinarycollective.org/

https://us.jkp.com/products/occupational-therapy-disruptors

https://givebutter.com/DiverseOT

https://www.commonnotions.org/everything-for-everyone?srsltid=AfmBOorVhJCZeHS2ze5KDe5XBWjfCZZx5xWQHXsl9VUunnUdt3oU88Ri

Interested in joining the book club?

• Reading for the Revolution, first meeting is January 22, 2025 from 6-8:30 PM CST, 2.5 CE/PDUs credits available. FREE event.
• Advocacy in Action #1: Where Are All the Black OTs? The first meeting is February 1, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST. Four CEs/PDUs are available. A $50 suggested donation is suggested. Use code ACCESS4ALL for free registration. All funds go to supporting DOT operations.

What We Owe Each Other - References

Davis, A. Y. (2022). Freedom is a constant struggle (F. Barat, Ed.). Penguin Books Ltd.

Gates, H.L. (2016, Nov 9). Black America since MLK: And still I rise, black panthers [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_E8O8rlnoo&list=PL8DMaz5ynUE269cN892SpNPiBSESfbd70&index=12&ab_channel=HenryLouisGates%2CJr.

hooks, b. (2018). All About Love: New Visions . HarperCollins.

King, M. L., Jr. (2018). Letter from Birmingham Jail. Penguin Classics.

Peck M. S. (1998). The different drum : community making and peace (2nd Touchstone). Simon and Schuster.

TRT. (2021, Jun 16). Deep dive: A history of Black-Palestinian solidarity [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAl5YrNQHWs&ab_channel=TRTWorld