Video Submissions: The Power of Occupation

The true impact of occupational therapy is inherently seen through the eyes of our clients. Therefore, an occupational therapy practitioner's influence is not only expressed through a client's physical or cognitive improvement, but also in his or her ability to live life to its fullest—the power of occupation.

To inspire and educate others, we are asking occupational therapy students and practitioners to submit 45- to 75-second videos that capture the power of occupation. This is not a contest. The goal is not to determine the "best" one, but rather to create a gallery of experiences. Ultimately, these videos should illustrate the depth and variety of how occupational therapy practitioners have an impact on individuals' lives.

Suggestions for Getting Started

  • Prepare a list of questions that will help guide client responses. Ideas include:
    • What has occupational therapy helped you achieve?
    • Would you recommend occupational therapy to others in your situation? Why?
    • Did anything about occupational therapy surprise you?
    • What does occupational therapy mean to you now?
    • What would you like others to know about occupational therapy?
  • Take a lot more footage than you think you'll need so you have plenty to work with.
  • Help clients relax by using a natural setting. Think of your interaction as a conversation rather than a scripted interview. Candid responses are far more powerful than scripted ones.
  • Think carefully about lighting, sound, and camera angle. These can make an enormous difference in the quality of your video.

Rules

  • We must have a signed release from the submitter(s), the owner of any photographs used, and everyone in the video (see below). The releases can be scanned and e-mailed with your submission to promotions@aota.org. AOTA does not require the transfer of copyright for the videos but we do require a release to use them.
  • If you use music, be sure you do so legally. Much of the music registered through Creative Commons may be used for free in videos (be sure to check the licensing agreement for each song). You can also use YouTube's audioswap feature, which not only offers music that may be used without permission, but also can be used to change your current music to something else. As with photographs, you can find royalty free music through a Web search, but be sure to check the terms of use. Other options are to write, play, and record your own song, or to get permission to use a song that is copyrighted (you will need permission from both the owner of the song and the owner of the recording).
  • Include logos and company or departmental names ONLY if they are essential to the story. Keep the focus on the people, not the institution.
  • Be sure occupational therapy is identified in some way.
  • Do not exceed 75 seconds, including the credits. Credits typically run for 5 to 7 seconds, leaving 67 to 70 seconds of video time. Videos longer than 75 seconds will not be posted. (Note: If your video is 75 seconds and 2 frames, YouTube will display the length to be 76 seconds, so plan accordingly.)
  • At a minimum, the credits section should include the name of the submitter(s) along with proper citations for all music and resources used.
    • Ex. "Walk" by The Foo Fighters (2011)
    • Ex. "Occupational therapy is..." ("Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, Domain & Process, 2nd ed.," AOTA 2008)

Submitting

  • When your video is complete, upload it to YouTube. Under the "Privacy Settings," simply type in the e-mail address promotions@aota.org.
  • Please DO NOT use AOTA in the title. Use a title that is specific to the message in your video.
  • You CAN submit multiple videos.
  • Submit your video via the YouTube link(s), the releases, and any questions to promotions@aota.org.
  • We will let you know when we receive the video, and whether we would like to post it on the Web site, or offer suggestions.
  • If you submit a video, you agree to let AOTA post it on the Web site.

Sample

  • Many thanks to Ryerson Stinson, an MOT student at Quinnipiac University, whose sample video here represents the types of submissions we're looking for.

We look forward to your submissions!

Please be sure to submit the applicable releases below along with your video

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