General Information
Advocacy Day is an opportunity to reach out and work directly with key legislators on topics that affect occupational therapy practice in New York State. Each year, we further our legislative efforts and make our presence known. Typically, over 500 practitioners, students, and supporters come together on this day to participate.

What to Know for 2024

• Event Date: March 5, 2024 (Registration will close on February 27 at 11:59 PM. Be sure to sign up before then.)
  
  
• Location: Meeting Room 5, Empire State Plaza, Albany
  
  
• This year, Advocacy Day will be an in-person event. There will NOT be a virtual option. Coming together in record numbers makes a powerful statement to legislators and helps raise awareness of occupational therapy.
  
  
• Attendees will make their own legislative appointments this year. Consider coordinating with other schools or fellow practitioners to consolidate legislative appointments. You can find information and instructions below (or you can watch our video overview on how to register for Advocacy Day)

Information About Group Registration

If you will be registering for Advocacy Day as a group (for example, a university, organization, or other group type), please designate ONE Contact Person for your group and have ONLY that person register for the event. All emails from NYSOTA with information about the event, including your assigned time slot, will be directed to your designated Contact Person.

Agenda

9:00, 10:00, OR 11:00 AM*
Legislative Update & Information Session
Jeff Tomlinson, NYSOTA's Legislative Chair, along with lobbyists Glen Riddell and Cory Loomis will provide participants with highlights of the current budget, our legislative efforts and focus, and other information to help inform and prepare participants to speak with their elected officials.

*You will be assigned to one of the above time slots. There is a place for you to select your preferred time on the registration form. In addition to your selected preference, we will also factor in travel distance and group size when finalizing assigned times. We will notify you of your assigned time by February 28.

3:00 - 4:00 PM:
Advocacy Day Wrap-Up
Attendees are encouraged to reconvene in Meeting Room 5 to share their experiences and final thoughts about their legislative meetings and advocacy efforts.

Legislative Appointments
Participants should plan to make their own appointments with their elected representatives. For information on scheduling legislative appointments, please follow our Step-by-Step Instructions.

Appointments fill up quickly. For the best chance at scheduling appointments with your representative, register and follow the step-by-step instructions as soon as possible.

Deadline to make legislative appointments: February 27

You can find your representatives by clicking the links below:

Find your State Senator.
Find your State Assembly Member.

Download and Print Your Materials
Download and print the materials below prior to meeting with your legislator(s). For in-person meetings, please leave only the Memos of Support. Talking points are intended for your eyes only to help guide your discussions with the legislator(s).

Talking Points (these will help guide your legislative visits)

tp Mental Health Budget

tp Education Budget and Article VII

tp Early Intervention Reimbursement Adequacy

tp Limiting Copayments

tp Workers' Compensation Services by OTAs/PTAs

tp Pandemic Response Study Act

Memos of Support (share these with the legislators that you visit)

mos Mental Health Budget

mos Education Budget and Article VII

mos Early Intervention Reimbursement Adequacy

mos Limiting Copayments

mos Workers' Compensation Services by OTAs/PTAs

mos Pandemic Response Study Act

Directions and Parking
Visit the following links for important details:

Driving Directions to the Empire State Plaza

Parking Options (V-Lot is the closest lot. Plan to arrive early, as lots tend to fill up quickly.)

Facility Map (We will be in Meeting Room 5. This is located on the Concourse Level in the Hallway marked Meeting Rooms 1-5 to the right of the Food Court on the map.)

For more information about the Empire State Plaza complex, including dining options, public transportation, and additional maps, visit the Empire State Plaza website.