A quartet of Keuka College students spent a day in Albany last week, lobbying state lawmakers on proposed bills related to their Occupational Therapy major.
Along with Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy Dr. Beth Jordan, students Marissa Schmitz, Anna Dewispelaere, Amanda Sheehan, and Kaitlyn Donovan – all seniors – took part in a lobbying blitz organized by the New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA).
It was an experiential-learning two-fer:
The students researched and prepared talking points on six bills currently pending in one or both houses of the state Legislature, deepening their understanding of the many ways occupational therapy intersects with public health, education, and government.
The students researched and prepared talking points on six bills currently pending in one or both houses of the state Legislature, deepening their understanding of the many ways occupational therapy intersects with public health, education, and government
Keuka College students were teamed up with students from dozens of other colleges and universities throughout the state. Anna Dewispelaere, right, poses with other student-lobbyists.
They also served as advocates for their future profession. Joining students and educators from other colleges throughout the state, they urged support for initiatives such as early intervention services, preschool special education, and more effectively integrating occupational therapy in public education.
“It was so cool to have a voice,” said Amanda, a resident of Sodus Point, N.Y., who met with one of her hometown representatives, state Sen. Pamela Helming. “It was cool to be able to meet with someone who has a say on issues where I live. It was the last thing I thought I’d be able to do.”
“It went really well,” said Marissa, who met with state Sen. Patrick Gallivan. “It made me feel really empowered.”
All told, there were 91 meetings of at least 15 minutes, totaling more than 24 hours of advocating for OT, said Dr. Jordan, who joined educators from throughout the state in sharing the clinicians’ perspective with lawmakers.
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy Dr. Beth Jordan, far left, joined instructors from around the state to lobby lawmakers from the clinical perspective.
“It was amazing,” she said. “This was real advocacy.”
The students got down to the nitty-gritty on issues like early education and state spending on mental health. They said the leaders they met with, like them, had done their homework.
“They were really engaged and asked a lot of questions,” said Kaitlyn. She met with Keuka College’s legislative representatives, Assembly member Philip Palmesano and the legislative director for state Sen. Tom O’Mara, and said both were supportive.
State Sen. Pamela Helming, left, compares notes with students Amanda Sheehan, center, and Anna Dewispelaere.
“It was just so empowering,” she said. “You walked away feeling heard and like you made a difference. And, like Amanda said, I didn’t think that we could do that. I didn’t think we had a say in any of that.”
As a result of the experience, the students are now advocating for public advocacy. Among their biggest takeaways, they said, was that everyone should make their voice heard on issues that are important to them.
“It was just so empowering.” You walked away feeling heard and like you made a difference.”
“I just didn’t think my voice mattered,” said Amanda. “But it did that day.”
“I would definitely do this again,” said Anna.
Bottom line, added, Kaitlyn: “We made a difference.”
The students and Dr. Jordan will share their experiences during an open forum at 3 p.m. on Monday, March 10, in the Hawkins Lounge.
