Last Tuesday, after school, I did something that honestly scared me a little. I loaded my 5-year-old into the car, threw on my “School-Based OTs Looking for Change” t-shirt, and headed to the library for my local senator’s (Senator Steven Rhoads) public meeting hours.
Classic OT move, right? Racing from work to educate elected officials about OT practice realities with a preschooler in tow! 😊
The Reality Check
I walked in with printed copies of the two bills and the NYSUT resolution that are currently pending, ready to talk about the pressing issues facing school OTs and PTs in New York.
What I discovered? This well-meaning elected official knew basically nothing about NYSED or how our roles actually work in schools.
I found myself explaining inequities he’d never considered – how we can’t become educational leaders despite our advanced degrees and expertise, how that limitation directly impacts our ability to help kids, and how many of us are stuck on civil service pay scales that leave us making $30,000 less annually than our teaching colleagues.
The moment that really got to him? When he glanced at my daughter happily building with Legos and I said, “We have the same expenses as all the other teaching staff, and our education costs more.”
The Lightbulb Moment
By the end of our conversation, I could see understanding dawning. He realized we weren’t asking for special treatment – we were asking for equity. For recognition of our expertise. For the ability to truly lead and advocate for the students we serve.
He said, “This (us getting into Pupil Personnel so we can be equal to teachers, social workers, etc.) seems like common sense” (Ya think!?)
His advice? “You need to get Senator Shelley Mayer on board. She’s key to moving these bills forward.”
This Is Our Moment
Here’s the thing – those bills are pending RIGHT NOW. This is our crucial window to make our voices heard. We can’t wait for someone else to do the work for us. We ARE the experts on what school-based OTs and PTs need.
Your Action Steps:
- Message Senator Shelley Mayer – she needs to hear from ALL of us (it doesn’t matter where you are from!)
- Use this sample letter (or customize with your own story – it helps!):
Senator Shelley Mayer contact info: ​smayer@nysenate.gov​
Dear Senator Mayer,
As a school-based occupational therapist/physical therapist in New York (or the USA), I’m writing to urge your support for Bills ​S5612 ​& ​S4820 ​and the NYSUT resolution addressing inequities in our field.
Despite our advanced degrees and specialized expertise, we cannot advance to educational leadership roles, limiting our ability to advocate for students with disabilities. Additionally, the designation of civil service often leads to pay scales that create significant salary disparities compared to our teaching colleagues, often $30,000+ annually.
These issues directly impact student services and contribute to critical staffing shortages in our schools. We need your leadership to ensure equitable treatment for school-based therapy professionals.
I urge you to
- Publicly support the bills
- Issue statements endorsing the legislation
- Lobby Assembly members to pass them
- Advocate with the Governor for signing
Thank you for considering our concerns.
Sincerely,[Your name, credentials, district]
The Ripple Effect
That library meeting reminded me that our community leaders want to help – they just need to understand the issues first. When we show up authentically (even with Legos scattered around us!), we create real change.
Every message matters. Every conversation counts. Every one of us has a story that illustrates why these changes are crucial for our students.
Ready to Speak Your Truth?
Send that message to Senator Mayer. Share your story with local representatives. Wear your OT or PT t-shirt with pride! Our students deserve therapists who can lead, grow professionally, and stay in the field long-term.
Let’s educate our elected officials together! 🌟
Click the image to view the series of handouts I brought to the Senator. This is called a “Leave Behind”.
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If you use it to meet with a legislator or leader in your community, you’ll be my new best friend.
P.S. – My 5-year-old asked why I was “talking to the important man about work.” I told her sometimes grown-ups need to speak up so other grown-ups can help kids better. She got it immediately. Maybe we should all think like 5-year-olds more often! 💜
