Welcome from the Chair, Dr. Sara Kate Frye
Dear RDSIS Members,
I am honored to greet you as the new Chair of the AOTA Rehabilitation and Disability Section (RDSIS). It is an exciting time for RDSIS, and I am glad you took the time to visit this website.
Please take some time to read my latest update here.
Sincerely,
Sara Kate Frye, OTD, MS, OTR/L, ATP Chair, AOTA Rehabilitation and Disability Special Interest Section
Meet and Greet Slides
We enjoyed meeting some RDSIS members at the meet and greet! Please check out the attached slides to meet the committee, provide feedback, and learn about ways to get involved. Of note, the mentorship application is now live!
Latest Events & Articles
Events
- Prepare for “Occupational Therapy Month” (April 1st-April 30st)
- Register for AOTA Inspire | 2026 Annual Converse and Expo (April 23rd-25th)
Articles
RDSIS RESEARCH CONVERSATIONS – APRIL 2026
Gassass, S., Zhou, R., Hattori, R., Liu, L. Connor, L. T., & Philip, B. A. (2025). Activity loss and retention patterns following unilateral periopheral nerve injury: Implications for rehabilitation. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79, 7906205100. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2025.051142 or Infographic
PREOPERATIVE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY: A FEASIBILITY MODEL FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVORSHIP
By: Stephanie Rexing, OTD, OTR/L, CLT
Abstract: Breast cancer survivors frequently experience persistent, treatment-related impairments that limit daily functioning and quality of life, with breast cancer-related lymphedema being one of the most disabling. This paper explores the role of preoperative occupational therapy in a proactive, client-centered program designed to address functional, psychosocial, and educational needs before surgery to reduce the overall risk of developing lymphedema later in life. Additionally, the paper identifies barriers to implementation and outlines advocacy priorities for systems-level adoption of preoperative programs.
BRIDGING OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY NEURO AND HAND SPECIALTIES: AN INTRAPROFESSIONAL CASE STUDY
By: Jaimee Fielder, OTD, MS, OTR, CLVT, CBIST; Caitlin Boyd, OTR, MOT, CBIS; Gwen Morris, PhD, OTD, OTR, CHT, CLT; Jennifer Diminuco, OTD, OTR, CHT; Rebecca Caudrillier, OTD, OTR; & Adrian Bueno, MOT, OTR, CHT
Abstract: Intraprofessional collaboration between occupational therapy practitioners provides opportunities to reduce fragmentation within practice and advance client outcomes. However, this approach is underrepresented in occupational therapy literature. This clinical case study describes the effect of intraprofessional collaboration between a neuro-specialist occupational therapist and a certified hand therapist occupational therapist for a young adult living with chronic hemiparesis following a stroke. This integrated, intraprofessional team approach yielded meaningful gains in home independence, academic participation, and confidence. This example presents an opportunity for occupational therapy practitioners to leverage intraprofessional relationships to enhance treatment efforts and optimize client outcomes.
Some History on RDSIS
The RDSIS (formerly known as the Physical Disability Special Interest Section) was one of the original Special Interest Sections created in 1977.
RDSIS members support individuals with physical dysfunction resulting from a wide range of conditions. Examples include neurological, musculoskeletal, oncological, and various chronic conditions.
Our members support the occupational participation of individuals with functional limitations related to an injury or illness across the continuum of care.
“It is a privilege and joy to engage with and support the members of the vibrant RDSIS community. As clinicians to consultants, in the ICU to outpatient, from oncology to musculoskeletal health, we are committed to improvement and innovation in diverse contexts.” (Brocha Stern, 2022-2025 RDSIS Chair)
Interact with CommunOT via a mobile app!
1. Download the “Connected Community” app (Higher Logic)
2. Enter the organization’s domain: communot.aota.org
3. You will be redirected to log in with your AOTA credentials.
Download from Google Play Store
Download from Apple Store