Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity

Who is COTAD?

The Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD) was established in 2014 with the common goal of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the occupational therapy workforce and increasing the ability for occupational therapy practitioners to serve an increasingly diverse population. Since then, our Executive and Board Members have worked diligently to uphold our mission of “empowering occupational therapy leaders to engage in practices that increase diversity, equity, and inclusion for a more transformative occupational therapy profession.”

Why should I join COTAD? What are the benefits of membership?

The Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD) is a 100% volunteer led and operated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We are able to provide training materials, virtual and in-person events, and scholarships through the purchase of membership plans as well as the generous donations from people like YOU!

COTAD membership includes networking, social interaction, mentorship, and professional support; access to future COTAD educational and training materials; the option to request a feature or submit an article to the quarterly COTAD Courier e-newsletter; the ability to apply for the Minority Mentorship Program; and the opportunity to support scholarship, research, training, and support for occupational therapy students, practitioners, and educators to benefit clients with diverse backgrounds and needs. Regardless of where you are in your career, COTAD has a membership plan to fit your needs.

What are the different types of membership?

Membership plans are available for individuals at every point in their professional journey, and those who are not occupational therapy practitioners but who are passionate about our cause. At this time, students currently enrolled in an OT or OTA program are encouraged to start or join a chapter at their educational program through the COTAD Chapters Program.

Are my membership dues tax-deductible?

Because our organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your contribution to COTAD is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

What are the membership terms and conditions?

COTAD membership benefits are contingent on members being in good standing. By becoming a member, individuals and orgainzations agree to uphold the standards and ethics of the national COTAD organization. Your membership status with COTAD can include, but is not limited to, access to a digital badge and online resources that are intended for members only. As such, your username and password are for your sole use. Sharing, selling, or reselling of usernames and passwords is a copyright violation, and thus, is a violation of the law. All use of COTAD's name and intellectual property must receive approval from the national COTAD organization prior to publication. Violation of the COTAD terms and conditions may result in revocation of COTAD online access privileges and/or legal consequences depending on the severity of the infraction.

How do I update my contact (e.g., address/email/phone number) and/or payment information (e.g., credit card information, billing address)?

You can update your information by logging into your member profile and making the requisite changes. Keep in mind that certain membership plans are contingent on the information you provide (e.g., student email address, residence in developing country), and your membership dues may change. Please see Wix FAQ for details on how to update contact information and credit card information.

How do I cancel my membership?

We hope that you will reconsider canceling your membership, as your support and contributions are integral to the work we do. While membership plans may be canceled for future renewals, no refunds will be issued and your paid membership fee will remain a tax-deductible donation to the extent allowed by law. Please contact COTADmembers@gmail.com for cancellation.

Need more help?

For additional questions and concerns, please contact COTADmembers@gmail.com

I am currently enrolled as an OT or OTA student. Can I become a member?

Students enrolled in OT or OTA educational programs in the United States are encouraged to join or start a COTAD Chapter at their OT educational program. Since we do not yet have COTAD Chapters at OT and OTA programs in developing countries, individuals studying or teaching at these programs are encouraged to contact the Membership Coordinator at COTADmembers@gmail.com to learn more about opportunities for membership and involvement.

How do I qualify for a waiver for membership fees?

At this time, COTAD offers TWO options for a waiver for membership fees: (1) A waiver for membership fees is offered to individuals who are studying and/or practicing in developing countries. Qualifying individuals must submit proof (e.g., license to practice, letter of verification from employer or educational program) to COTADmembers@gmail.com. Please note that if you submit documentation containing information in a foreign language, you may be asked to include a full English translation for verification purposes. (2) A waiver for membership fees is offered to individuals who are not presently able to afford the cost of membership due to f inancial hardship and/or due to a medical condition or disability. Qualifying individuals must complete the form below and return it with the required documentation to COTADmembers@gmail.com The waiver of fees is granted for ONE (1) full year’s membership. COTAD will not make any partial adjustments or refunds to individuals’ current or past membership dues payments. Members must submit this form and the additional documents every year they wish to apply for the waiver. At this time, students currently enrolled in an OT or OTA program in the United States are encouraged to start or join a chapter at their educational program through the COTAD Chapters Program and do NOT qualify for a waiver for membership fees.