Freda Jacob Award

Vision / Innovation of the profession at National or International Level

Purpose

To acknowledge occupational therapists who contribute significantly to the profession nationally and internationally with their vision, advocacy and innovation.

Frequency

The Award is available on a biennial basis, however the selection committee may elect not to confer the award if there is not a suitable nominee.

Eligibility

Any member of Occupational Therapy Australia is eligible, except those who are a current Director on the Board of Occupational Therapy Australia at the time the award is advertised.

Nomination / Application process

•  CEO will arrange for the Award to be advertised via OTA communications media

•  All nominations submitted to Occupational Therapy Australia shall be supported by a comprehensive biography detailing the following:

i. Name

ii. Date of graduation in occupational therapy

iii. Name of university graduated from which they graduated.

iv. An account of the nominee’s contribution to the profession, demonstrating that the nominee is a visionary, who is capable of thinking outside the box, and who has influenced the profession locally, nationally and or internationally

•  Endorsement of contribution by another member.

Selection criteria

•  The nominee must have been a continuous member of Occupational Therapy Australia for at least five years.

•  The nominee must be a resident of Australia

•  The nominee must have rendered outstanding service to occupational therapy in the fields of education, practice, research, management / business and / or advocacy.

•  The member must have contributed to the enhancement of occupational therapy nationally and/or internationally.

Process When Application Is Received

•  Member is to be notified by OTA that application has been received.

•  OTA to confirm with member the selection process and when it is expected he/ she would be notified of the outcome.

Selection process

•  The selection committee will comprise the Board of Occupational Therapy Australia.

•  Applicants will be judged against stated criteria.

Timeline

Call for Applications:

·  November / December E-News & Connections in year before National Conference

Applications Due:

·  31 March in year of National Conference

Decision Due:

·  April in year of National Conference

Recipient Notified:

·  April in year of National Conference

Recipient Announced:

·  October Connections after the OTA Conference

Funding/budget:

Occupational Therapy Australia operating budget

Prize and Recognition

• Framed certificate

• A gift or monetary award to a value approved by the Board

• Recipient’s name to be listed on OTA website

Presentation

The award will be presented at the Occupational Therapy Australia National Conference.

DATE REVIEWED December 2016