Four Keuka College students took their education beyond the classroom last month, traveling to Albany to advocate for their future profession. Now, they’re bringing those lessons back to campus.
Occupational Therapy seniors Marissa Schmitz, Anna Dewispelaere, Amanda Sheehan, and Kaitlyn Donovan, along with Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy Dr. Beth Jordan, spent February 25 meeting with state lawmakers as part of an advocacy day organized by the New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA). Their goal: to push for legislation that strengthens occupational therapy’s role in education and public health.
The students prepared talking points on six pending bills and met with legislators, including state Sen. Pamela Helming and Assembly Member Philip Palmesano. Among the key issues they discussed were early intervention services, preschool special education, and state spending on mental health.
“It was so cool to have a voice,” said Sheehan, a Sodus Point native who met with Helming. “It was the last thing I thought I’d be able to do.”
“It made me feel really empowered,” added Schmitz, who met with state Sen. Patrick Gallivan.
Dr. Jordan, who joined other educators in offering a clinical perspective to lawmakers, called the event “real advocacy.” In total, 91 meetings took place, adding up to more than 24 hours of discussion on OT-related issues.
The students were struck by how engaged legislators were during their meetings. “They were really engaged and asked a lot of questions,” Donovan said. “You walked away feeling heard and like you made a difference.”
Inspired by their experience, the students are now advocating for public advocacy itself. They will share their experiences in a public presentation at 3 p.m. on March 10 in the Hawkins Lounge, encouraging others to make their voices heard on issues that matter to them.
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