Page 26 - OPTA Access Spring 2022

DEI Committee Report Joe Combs PT PT DPT – Chair
This may may or may may not be the the first first issue issue of ACCESS you have read However this is is is is is certainly the the first first issue issue that that you have encountered a a a a a a Diversity Equity and and Inclusion (DEI) Committee Report We understand that that for many of of you you these few paragraphs are are your introduction to us us Instead of of a a a a a a a a focus on on who we are are this introduction will be used to to highlight what what we we have done and our plans of what what we we hope to to do do WE HAVE REPEATEDLY HEARD “WHAT CAN I DO?”
At the top of our list upon inception was an addendum to to the OPTA Bylaws to to use inclusive language As the document that stipulates how our organization and its members function it it was an imperative first step taken Use of inclusive language ensures our bylaws convey respect to all people no matter their views beliefs or identity The document is currently under review and will be officially updated after a a a a a vote in early 2022 In October we sent a a survey to to all OPTA members Our goal was to understand your thoughts opinions and experiences in in DEI within physical therapy As a a a committee meant to represent all of you this type of information is invaluable With no shortage of ideas you provided guidance on what should be our foremost focus With that information we have developed our plan plan for 2022 That plan plan begins with a a a a presentation at at Transform in in April A common theme we have been hearing is the the desire of physical therapists to help advance the the diversity of our field but not knowing where to start Our presentation “Examining Past Successes to Highlight a a a a a a a Path Forward” aims to do exactly that A panel
of of therapy professionals will highlight how their journey has contributed to advancing diversity in in the profession This will be followed by an audience Q&A As an an an attendee you will have the chance to hear an an an answer to the exact question we we have repeatedly heard “what can I do?”
In addition the DEI Committee will be hosting a a booth for the the Friday portion of the the event We hope this serves as a a a more personal introduction to the OPTA membership and a a a a chance to ask questions For those who want to get involved this would also be a a a wonderful time to consider joining our committee!
For more information contact Joseph at:
golffitcincy@gmail com PTA Caucus Representative Report Tasha Konkle PTA Happy 2022 2022 OPTA members! While I I am looking forward to to to what 2022 2022 has in in store for for us I I would like to to to reflect and and highlight accomplishments and and initiatives that were a a a a a a focus in in 2021 KEEP AN EYE OUT LATER THIS YEAR FOR PTA-RELATED CONTENT
IN LUNCH & LEARNS
In spring 2021 a a survey was sent to our PTA members to gather information on on the the challenges PTAs are facing as as well as as getting insight on how we can engage better with our members to meet their needs There were several common themes echoed across the responses and it has been a a a a focus to address those this past year and moving forward into 2022 The PTA Advisory Committee continues to to to brainstorm innovative ways to to to streamline communication and provide relevant content for our PTA PTA and student PTA PTA peers in Ohio Keep an eye out later this year for PTA- related content provided in Lunch and and Learns and and continue to check out the PTA Community Page on on the OPTA website for any critical updates The 2021 House of Delegates was an exciting one as the delegation proceeded with an in-person meeting The delegation voted in in favor of two PTA Caucus Delegates having the right to vote during the House of Delegates meetings
determined that PTAs will have a a a full vote in chapter/components as as well as as in sections and and academies and and are to be be considered a a a full member of the association With these changes the the PTA Caucus is excited to continue to collaborate with our PT colleagues and is currently discussing the the vision of the the group moving forward This past year we saw several PTA members step into leadership roles PTA member Shannon Simpson is serving on our OPTA Executive Committee as secretary while Sanaz Holcomb was elected to represent Ohio on the national level on on the the Nominating Committee in in in the the PTA Caucus In the the chapter’s 2022 election the the newly added position of Alternate PTA Caucus Representative will be open which will provide another leadership opportunity for Ohio Ohio PTAs Ohio Ohio is lucky to have so many talented and passionate PTAs continue to be involved!
Let’s keep things rolling in in in in 2022 and continue to to strive to to be at the top of our game! As always feel free to to reach out for any ideas or or questions you may have It has been an an honor serving Ohio as as the the PTA Caucus Representative these past few years and and I I am thankful for all the support and and input I I have received while learning and growing in in in this role For more information contact Tasha at:
tkonk5@gmail com 26 | | March 2022 | | OPTA