36 Awards and Recognitions Offered by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation AOTF Fred Sammons Volunteer Recognition Award (Est. 2017), in honor of Fred Sammons’ career-long commitment to volunteerism, this award recognizes the dedication of volunteers, who support and advance the mission of the Foundation. Academy of Research (Est. 1983) recognizes occupational therapists whose exemplary contributions through research have served to advance the knowledge base of the profession. AOTF Early Career Research Excellence Award (Est. 2019) recognizes and supports investigators who are contributing and show promise to advance knowledge in the field of occupational therapy. Mid-Career Research Excellence Award (Est. 2018) recognizes and supports investigators who have contributed to advancing knowledge in the field of occupational therapy. A. Jean Ayres Award (Est. 1998) recognizes up to two occupational therapy clinicians, educators, and researchers each year who have demonstrated sustained commitment to the application, dissemination, development, or testing of theory in occupational therapy. Virginia Scardina Award of Excellence (Est. 2004) recognizes an occupational therapy clinician who has demonstrated sustained commit- ment, excellence, and/or innovation in sensory integration and brain–behavior relationships in the practice of occupational therapy. AOTF Meritorious Service Award (Est. 1984) recognizes retiring and incumbent members of the AOTF Board of Trustees who have made sus- tained and exemplary contributions in support of the Foundation’s mission. AOTF Certificate of Appreciation (Est. 1979) recognizes the outstanding service of volunteer members of the Foundation’s committees or councils who are in good standing with the Foundation and have contributed significantly to the fulfillment of the Foundation’s mission, goals, and objectives. AOTF Leadership Service Commendation (Est. 1999) recognizes the service of Honorary Life Members or Chairs of the Foundation’s committees or councils who are in good standing with the Foundation and have contributed their time, energies, and support to the fulfillment of the Foundation’s mission, goals, and objectives. PTE Mary J. Bridle First Research Award (Est. 1994) recognizes and fosters scholarship in the occupational therapy community. The $750 annual award, established in 1993 by Pi Theta Epsilon, honors the best manuscript for a completed research study that is initiated while the principal investigator is an occupational therapy student. Award and Recognition offered by both the American Occupational Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Foundation AOTA/AOTF Presidents’ Commendation in Honor of Wilma L. West (Est. 1990) honors a respected leader of the profession who has made sustained contributions to occupational therapy over a lifetime of service.

Congratulations to the 2O20 AOTA & AOTF Award Recipients