Award descriptions:

Take a moment to think about the people who have had a positive impact on you as a professional such as a co-worker, a colleague, a member of a NHOTA committee that you’re involved in, or another allied health professional. Who do you know who has done something outstanding for our OT profession? Who has helped motivate you, has been a role model or mentor and why? These are the unrecognized “heroines” and “heroes” of OT in NH who truly deserve recognition for their contributions, their positive influences, their time and energy above and beyond the usual workday. This is your chance to give that deserving person some recognition by NOMINATING A COLLEAGUE FOR ONE OF NH OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL AWARDS.

In 2003, the NHOTA Board renamed the OT of the Year Award to the OT Practitioner of the Year Award to encourage nominations of OTAs as well as OTs. So take time to consider the criteria listed below.

OUTSTANDING FIELD EDUCATOR AWARD

PURPOSE: To recognize an OT practitioner who has made an exceptional contribution to the advancement of Occupational Therapy on the local or state level. To be eligible, the nominee must demonstrate outstanding leadership by meeting a minimum of 3 of the following criteria:

1. Candidate is an occupational therapy assistant or an occupational therapist licensed in the state of NH.

2. Is a provider of quality OT services.

3. Is involved in and supportive of OT education programs and/or teaching students.

4. Is active in legislative affairs related to the OT profession on a local, state or national Level.

5. Has promoted the profession to the public and/or other professionals either through public speaking, interviewing, organizing or presenting an educational session, featuring an article in newspaper or other publication. Contributions are not limited to this list.

6. Is actively involved in a health care or consumer disability related organization that helps educate and promote occupational therapy to the public.

7. Is involved in research of OT-related topics.

8. Has published in a professional journal or newsletter.

9. Has made other exceptional contributions to the profession. Please specify on the nomination form.

Nominations for the OT Practitioner of the Year Award will be accepted from OTs, OTAs or other health care professionals who are familiar with the candidate’s qualifications.

The nomination should include reason for nomination, candidate’s contributions to the profession, consumer-related activities, service on professionally related committees and organizations, educational contributions, activities that promote an increase in public and professional awareness of OT’s research in OT topic, publications and employment history. A candidate may receive this award only once, though remains eligible for other NHOTA awards.

SERVICE AWARD

PURPOSE: To recognize an OT practitioner who, through her/his knowledge and expertise, has made a significant contribution to the advancement of Occupational Therapy in New Hampshire.

Qualifications:

1. Candidate shall be an occupational therapy assistant or an occupational therapist licensed in the state of NH.

2. Candidate shall have a minimum of 2 years of sustained activity in the profession of occupational therapy and 1 year within New Hampshire.

3. Candidate has volunteered at a local, state, or federal level in a way that has benefited the field of Occupational Therapy in the state of New Hampshire. This may include participating in legislative actions, advocating for or with clients, educating the community about OT, serving on the NHOTA board of directors, or serving on a related OT-based community. Contributions are not limited to this list.

More than one person may receive or share this award. A recipient may receive this award more than once.

OUTSTANDING PRACTITIONER AWARD

PURPOSE: To recognize a person or organization outside the profession of occupational therapy who is supportive of the profession or who has contributed in some way to the advancement of Occupational Therapy in New Hampshire.

Qualifications:

1. Candidate shall be an occupational therapy assistant or an occupational therapist licensed in the state of NH.

2. Candidate shall have a minimum of 2 years of sustained activity in the profession of occupational therapy and 1 year within New Hampshire.

3. Candidate has volunteered at a local, state, or federal level in a way that has benefited the field of Occupational Therapy in the state of New Hampshire. This may include participating in legislative actions, advocating for or with clients, educating the community about OT, serving on the NHOTA board of directors, or serving on a related OT-based community. Contributions are not limited to this list.

More than one person may receive or share this award. A recipient may receive this award more than once.

RISING STAR AWARD

The recipient of this award shall be an OTP who demonstrates potential for exceptional leadership and is expected to provide a unique and lasting contribution to the field of occupational therapy. The recipient must be a recent graduate with 5 years or less of professional service in the field of occupational therapy.  This individual should demonstrate outstanding professionalism, service, and leadership.

Qualifications:

1. Candidate shall be an occupational therapy assistant or an occupational therapist licensed in the state of NH.

2. Candidate shall have a minimum of 2 years of sustained activity in the profession of occupational therapy and 1 year within New Hampshire.

3. Candidate has volunteered at a local, state, or federal level in a way that has benefited the field of Occupational Therapy in the state of New Hampshire. This may include participating in legislative actions, advocating for or with clients, educating the community about OT, serving on the NHOTA board of directors, or serving on a related OT-based community. Contributions are not limited to this list.

More than one person may receive or share this award. A recipient may receive this award more than once.