2021 Awards & Recognitions 2323 Awards and Recognitions Offered by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation AOTF Fred Sammons Volunteer Recognition Award (Est. 2017) honors Fred Sammons’ career- long commitment to volunteerism by recognizing the dedication of volunteers who support and advance the mission of the Foundation. AOTF Academy of Research (Est. 1983) recognizes occupational therapists whose exemplary contribu- tions 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 to and have promise to advance knowledge in the field of occupational therapy. AOTF Mid-Career Research Excellence Award (Est. 2018) recognizes and supports individuals who have contributed to advancing knowledge in the field of occupational therapy. AOTF 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, dissemina- tion, development, or testing of theory in occupational therapy. AOTF Virginia Scardina Award of Excellence (Est. 2004) recognizes an occupational therapy clinician who has demonstrated sustained commitment, excellence, and/or innovation in sensory integration and brain–behavior relationships in the practice of occupational therapy. AOTF Meritorious Service Award (Est. 1984) rec- ognizes retiring and incumbent members of the AOTF Board of Trustees who have made sustained 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 Founda- tion and have contributed their time, energies, and support to the fulfillment of the Foundation’s mission, goals, and objectives. AOTF 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.