From Adoption to Advocacy Lesson

Course Description

This interactive session challenges occupational therapy practitioners and students to move beyond technology adoption toward critically evaluating, influencing, and advocating for how emerging technologies are designed and used. Participants will explore AI capabilities, apply an occupation-centered lens to technology, and identify opportunities to advocate for systems that support meaningful participation and the future of practice.

Objectives

Speaker

Heidi Carpenter, OTD, OTR/L, MLS

Dr. Heidi Carpenter is an occupational therapist, educator, policy advocate, and emerging scholar based in Tucson, Arizona. Committed to advancing occupational therapy practice, she brings a distinct blend of clinical, academic, and legal expertise to her work, with growing interests in technology, practice innovation, and how evolving systems shape the future of the profession. Heidi earned her Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Creighton University in 2014 and completed a Master of Legal Studies with certificates in Legal Paraprofessional Studies and Health Law for Health Professionals from the University of Arizona College of Law in 2024. She is currently a PhD Candidate in the Education and Leadership (PhDEL) program at Pacific University.

Heidi served as President of the Arizona Occupational Therapy Association (ArizOTA) from July 2021 to June 2025, where she led statewide initiatives to strengthen professional engagement, grow membership, support advocacy, and expand innovative opportunities for students and practitioners. Her leadership included mentoring ArizOTA’s first doctoral capstone student, launching the Association’s conference website, and supporting OT and OTA student organizations across Arizona.

Heidi has presented at state and national conferences and co-authored peer-reviewed publications focused on healthcare practice and professional development. She is passionate about building bridges between academia, clinical practice, technology, innovation, and advocacy. Through her work, she encourages occupational therapy practitioners and students to critically engage with emerging changes in practice and recognize their role as everyday advocates who can help shape the future of the profession.