2021 Awards & Recognitions 2121 DESCRIPTION OF AWARDS The following is a list of the awards and recognition bestowed by AOTA and AOTF for which individuals may be nominated. Awards and Recognitions Offered by the American Occupational Therapy Association (in order of year established) AOTA Award of Merit (Est. 1950) is the highest Association honor recognizing an occupational therapist (OT) who has demonstrated extensive leadership through sustained and significant contributions to the profession. Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship Award (Est. 1954) is an academic honor established as a memorial to Eleanor Clarke Slagle, one of the out- standing pioneers in the profession of occupational therapy. The purpose is to honor a member of AOTA who has creatively contributed to the development of the profession’s body of knowledge through research, education, and/or clinical practice. AOTA Roster of Fellows (Est. 1973) recognizes occupational therapist members of AOTA who, with their knowledge, expertise, leadership, advocacy, and/or guidance, have made a significant contribution over time to the profession with a measured impact on consumers of occupational therapy services and/or members of the Association. Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Occupational Therapy (Est. 1973) expresses the appreciation of the Association for extraordinary contributions to the advancement of occupational therapy. OTA Award of Excellence (Est. 1976) is the highest Association honor recognizing an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) who has demonstrated extensive leadership through sustained and significant contribu- tions to the profession. AOTA Roster of Honor (Est. 1979) recognizes occupational therapy assistant members of AOTA who, with their knowledge, expertise, leadership, advocacy, and/or guidance have made a significant contribution over time to the profession with a measured impact on consumers of occupational therapy services and/or members of the Association. Cordelia Myers AJOT Best Article Award (Est. 1979) recognizes a high-impact study that has particular relevance to a priority in occupational therapy or an established knowledge gap and is timely, is highly relevant, and addresses an urgent need for informa- tion in the field. Lindy Boggs Award (Est. 1982) recognizes the significant contributions by an occupational therapist (OT) or occupational therapy assistant (OTA) in promoting occupational therapy in the political arena by increasing recognition of occupational therapy in federal or state legislation, regulation, and/or policy or by increasing appreciation and understanding of occupational therapy by elected or appointed officials. AOTA Service Commendation (Est. 1983) recognizes individual members of AOTA who have provided service to the Association and profession through time- or task-limited activities. Health Advocate Award (Est. 1983) expresses the appreciation of AOTA for extraordinary contributions of national significance that led to the advancement of health promotion and/or health care. Retired Educators Award (Est. 1983) acknowl- edges exceptional leadership and commitment to the advancement of occupational therapy education. Terry Brittell OTA/OT Partnership Award (Est. 1991) recognizes an occupational therapy assistant and an occupational therapist who, through their collabora- tive efforts to promote the profession of occupational therapy, exemplify the professional partnership. Recognition of Achievement Award (Est. 1996) recognizes occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants who have made notable contribu- tions to the profession and its consumers in a focused area of occupational therapy practice. continued