Raejean Burton Lopez, MOT, OTR/L
@raejeanburtonlopez
Occupational Therapist l UC Educational Studies PhD Candidate | Mixed Methods Enthusiast | Curious about embodied numerical cognition & sensory processing difficulties l Opinions are my own. (she/her) l #SensorimotorToCognition #EmbodiedClassrooms #OT
Excited to start updating my course for the fall. #SensorimotorToCognition #EmbodiedClassrooms #AcademicLife
As a school OT, I help students build skills & indep. The right tools can make all the difference. I created an Amazon wishlist w/supplies I’ll use with my students. If you’d like to help support my OT room, I’d be so grateful. Every item will help kids learn, grow, & succeed. Wishlist in comments
OTPs! The AOTA CYSIS created an advocacy resource collection to help OTPs stay informed & take action to keep OSERS/OCR in the US Ed Dept. Advocacy doesn't require being a policy expert-it starts with using your voice. Links to register and resources: cysis.aota.org/wp-content/u...
Life IS the Occupation- only a few weeks left til summer break & total focus on dissertation writing. #embodiedclassrooms #SensorimotorToCognition #schoolOT
We had great conversations at #AOTAINSPIRE26 about embodied cognition & how OTPs can support educators in creating embodied learning in their classrooms. #SensorimotorToCognition #EmbodiedClassrooms
Discover how embodied cognition, shaped by sensorimotor experiences, enhances learning. Learn strategies to support teachers & students w/ sensorimotor diffs. Reflect on OTPs' role in fostering inclusive, evidence-based learning activities. #AOTAINSPIRE26 #SensorimotorToCognition #EmbodiedClassrooms
Join CYSIS at AOTA INSPIRE 2026 in Anaheim! Networking, Open House + 2 pediatric-focused posters. Come connect, learn & help shape the future of pediatric OT. Save the schedule! #AOTAINSPIRE26 #PediatricOccupationalTherapy #SchoolbasedOT #AOTA #OccupationalTherapy
OTPs in pediatric & school-based practice—your voice matters! AOTA CYSIS wants your input to guide our topics, events, resources & advocacy this year. Scan the QR code to take the survey. #pediatricoccupationaltherapy #AOTACYSIS #schoolbasedOT
Observing Romjul in Selji, Norway. Traveling, being in nature, and reading are restorative occupations I am prioritizing in this week between holidays before diving into dissertation writing in January.
Today we honor the IDEA — the law that opened doors, protected student rights, & created the foundation for the work school-based OTs do every day. The Dept of ED is facing threats that could weaken federal oversight of special education. As advocates for inclusion our voices are needed. #IDEA50thOT
7.5 million students, 3-21 years old receive special education, & 540,000 infants and toddlers under 3 years old receive early intervention services mandated by IDEA. 50 years ago, children with disabilities were not guaranteed a right to a free & appropriate public education. #IDEA50thOT
I am grateful for all the OTPs who come together in community to support, teach, encourage, & share with other OTPs. Through our community we are able to show up in our schools to help children learn, play, & grow in their roles as a students. #occupationaltherapy #schoolbasedot
The federal gov currently provides around $12-13 B annually under IDEA, but that still covers less than 12-15% of the nation’s cost of educating students with disabilities, far from the original 40% promise. Advocacy groups estimate a funding gap of nearly $39 B in 2024–25. #IDEA50thOT #aota
❤️ IDEA has opened the doors of education for millions of students. Occupational therapy helps ensure those doors lead to meaningful participation, learning, and growth.❤️ #IDEA50thOT #occupationaltherapy #schoolbasedOT #aota #specialed
LRE means students with dis should be educated with their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. It’s about access & support, not just physical presence. The focus is on belonging, participation, & meaningful learning, not just physical placement. #IDEA50thOT
FAPE ensures every eligible child with a disability has access to spec ed & related services designed to meet their unique needs. OTPs help ensure students can participate in their educ programs, access the curriculum, & engage in daily school routines & activities. #IDEA50thOT
Before 1975, more than 1M children with disabilities were excluded from public schools, and millions more did not receive the specialized instruction or services they needed. Families often had to fight for their children’s right to simply attend school. #IDEA50thOT
President Gerald Ford signed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act on November 29, 1975. This legislation marked a historic commitment to inclusion and equity in education. #IDEA50thOT
AOTA CYSIS is excited to share the IDEA 50th Anniversary Toolkit. Inside you’ll find: handout; activities for the whole school, classrooms, & OT sessions; displays; & resources. Download the toolkit here: cysis.aota.org/advocacy/ Show us how you’re celebrating! Post photos using #IDEA50thOT
Join the AOTA CYSIS in celebrating 50 years of IDEA! Reflect with occupational therapy practitioners across the country on what IDEA means for us today and the future. #IDEA50thOT #occupationaltherapy #pediatricoccupationaltherapy #pedsot #schoolbasedot #schoolbasedoccupationaltherapy #aota
Please join CYSIS for our May Practice chat on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 7-8pm EST. The session will focus on understanding advocacy do's & don'ts, crafting impactful messages, and aligning efforts with current federal priorities. Excited to see you there! Register at: www.aota.org/events/calen...
I made it to #AOTAINSPIRE. I look forward to meeting up with OT colleagues! #OT #AOTA
On my way to #AOTAInspire2025. Can’t wait to connect with fellow OTs. #OT #AOTA #Inspire2025
Happy Occupational Therapy Month! I feel fortunate to have a career helping others live their lives to the fullest. #OT
The disability advocacy community lost a leader & teacher in Rudd Turnbull. His work shaped the field of spec educ & disability law. I’m grateful our paths crossed & to learn from his unwavering dedication to equality & justice. May his memory be a blessing & his legacy continue to inspire us all.
Here’s your opportunity to engage w/ Abe Saffer, #AOTA federal lobbyist, & discuss #school-basedOT. Share challenges, ask questions, or just listen in as Abe shares updates on AOTA’s work in #education policy and gathers insights to inform advocacy efforts. Register www.aota.org/events/calen...
OT Practitioners & Students! The AOTA Children & Youth Special Interest Section (CYSIS) needs your input! Take our quick survey and help us shape programming, resources, and opportunities designed with you in mind. Share your voice: forms.gle/FCQXLR8tj8XE... #AOTA #CYSIS #OccupationalTherapy
Headed over from Twitter. Hoping to network & connect with others in the OT, ECSE, & developmental & learning science spaces. Sharing a photo of the goodest girl. She’s been by my side every every step of the PhD program. #academicchat #phdlife #docstudent #dogs