Page 8 - OPTA September 2018

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APTA Federal Advocacy
Forum Recap
Norah Sweeney, SPT – Cleveland State University
The three years of PT school is a time to explore what your version of PT practice will look like . Often, when we think of physical therapy practice we think of working directly with a patient . While that is the heart of PT, there are many variations
of practice and ways to make an impact . We need PTs who are engaged in non-traditional paths to complement our work with patients . One of those variations is in policy and advocacy . I came to this profession with a desire to work with patients and policy, but I lacked the roadmap to integrate both or many role models to guide me . The Federal Advocacy Forum is an event where physical therapy and policy meet . I hoped it would serve as an introduction to PT advocacy, policy, and PTs who had found a way to incorporate advocacy into their practice .
The forum is a platform for PTs, PTAs, and students from across the country to meet with their representatives to advocate for legislative action on issues important to PT and our patients . During these meetings we shared patient stories and made recommendations informed by our experiences and expertise . In preparation we learned about the issues, the legislative process, and strategies for talking with representatives . I came away with the tools and relationships to continue my advocacy after the forum . The forum also introduced me to a strong community centered on advocacy . I was inspired by my peers who made the trip to DC including 77 students . Those in attendance were a committed and welcoming group of individuals and many have been coming to this event for years .
I have long believed in being an engaged citizen . However, being in the Senate and Congressional offices and speaking directly with legislative staff about specific issues gave me a better appreciation for the legislative process than any classroom
OPTA Student Scholarship winner, Norah Sweeney, SPT, showing off her #ChoosePT sign everywhere she went!
lesson could . It showed me the impact a single story can have .
At its core, advocacy is relaying the experiences of our patients and telling our own stories to those in a position to make needed change on a larger scale . I believe that advocacy in some form is an essential part of PT practice . Advocacy can take many forms:
a two-minute call to your representative, voting, talking about policy issues with peers, participating in the outcomes registry, or pursuing a career in policy . I am still in the process of reconciling my career goals, but in the meantime, I found ways to incorporate advocacy into my daily life .
To my fellow students, I strongly recommend attending the Forum to see advocacy up close, meet amazing PTs, and see how policy issues impact you and your patients . Ask questions, be inspired, and find your own version of PT. Thank you to the APTA, OPTA, and the wonderful Ohio delegation for this opportunity . I am looking forward to next year!
(Left): OPTA Student Scholarship winner, Norah Sweeney, SPT, exploring D.C. and learning more about advocacy at the APTA Federal Advocacy Forum with other OPTA members. (Right): Norah Sweeney snapping a candid with APTA President Sharon Dunn, PT, PhD.
8 | September 2018 | OPTA