86R8794 SME-F

By: Walle H.R. No. 188

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, February 19, 2019, is Texas Occupational Therapy Association Day at the State Capitol, and the occasion provides a fitting opportunity to recognize the outstanding contributions of the dedicated individuals working in this field; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1936 and officially incorporated in 1973, the Texas Occupational Therapy Association is an affiliate of the American Occupational Therapy Association, and it is the largest professional association for occupational therapy practitioners and students in Texas; the organization encourages the involvement and continuing education of its members through its annual conference and through its six geographical districts, the Great Plains West District, the Rio Grande District, the Alamo South District, the Gulf Coast East District, the Capital Centex District, and the Trinity North District; and

WHEREAS, There are approximately 10,235 occupational therapists and 5,800 occupational therapy assistants currently licensed by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners; they work in a variety of treatment settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, home health agencies, and nursing homes, and they often work with other health care providers, including physical therapists, speech language pathologists, physicians, psychologists, social workers, and nurses; and

WHEREAS, Occupational therapy is the only profession that helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through therapeutic use of daily activities, and occupational therapists are an important part of the health care team because they help patients regain their ability to do daily activities after life-changing injury or illness or when a person has a developmental disability; and

WHEREAS, Through their specialized training and expertise, occupational therapy practitioners enable Texans of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote physical and mental health and prevent--or live better with--injury, illness, or disability, and their contributions are indeed deserving of recognition; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 19, 2019, as Texas Occupational Therapy Association Day at the State Capitol and commend occupational therapy practitioners for the essential services they provide; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Texas Occupational Therapy Association as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.