PRESS RELEASE: AOTI Celebrates Inaugural Ann Beckett Day
Monday, 18th May 2026
Unique event will bring together 21 years of award-winning Occupational Therapists who have gone above and beyond for patients in Ireland
Tomorrow (19.05.2026) the Association of Occupational Therapists in Ireland (AOTI) will host a landmark event – The Ann Beckett Day. As a cornerstone of AOTI’s 60th-anniversary celebrations, this unique gathering unites past winners of the profession's highest annual honour - the Ann Beckett Award. The event will take place from 09:30-16:00 at The Arts Block, Trinity College Dublin.
This special event commemorates the life and legacy of Ann Beckett - Ireland's first professionally qualified Occupational Therapist, founding member of AOTI and advocate for excellence in practice, education and leadership. Her career was defined by an unwavering commitment to quality of life, meaningful activity and person centred-care.
The event will showcase the creativity, originality and practicality that Occupational Therapists use to transform the lives of their patients. The day-long programme features a diverse range of award-winning initiatives including:
- Motorbike Restoration Project: Supporting participants with acquired brain injury to collaboratively restore a functional vintage motorbike.
- The Hen Project: Introducing structured vocational opportunities within a high-secure forensic unit to support rehabilitation and skill development.
- Crann Centre Play and Leisure Area: A "Design by Inclusion" project collaborating with families, therapists, and architects to create inclusive community recreation spaces.
- Yellow Days: Supporting clients with memory impairment to collaboratively write, edit, and publish a book of poetry.
- Discover/Recover Theatre Project: A community forum sharing recovery stories through storytelling workshops and live theatre.
Commenting on the significance of the event, Odhrán Allen, CEO of AOTI, said: "As AOTI celebrates its 60th year, we are incredibly proud to bring together the visionaries who represent the very best of our profession. The event is a celebration of the extraordinary work that happens when Occupational Therapists are empowered to innovate. These projects showcase a dedication to finding creative solutions that help our patients live life to the fullest."
Andrew Semple, Chair of the Ann Beckett Award Committee, added: "Ann Beckett’s pioneering spirit remains the heartbeat of our profession. By tracking innovation through the Ann Beckett Awards over the last 21 years, we see a consistent legacy of Occupational Therapists identifying gaps in care and using their skills to bridge them with practical, life-changing results. Each of these winners has shown what is possible when creativity is applied to clinical practice."
Last minute registration is still available here: www.aoti.ie/events/Ann-Beckett-Day--AOTI-60th-Anniversary-Event-
Further information about the Ann Beckett Award and past winners is available at: www.aoti.ie/about-us/Ann-Beckett-Award.
Media interested in attending the event should contact Alice Public Relations at the contact details below.
,ENDS.
Contact: Meadbh Whelan/Niamh Breathnach, Alice Public Relations. Phone: 085 2039693 / 085-1461231. Email: [email protected]
Note to editors:
Spokespeople
Odhrán Allen, CEO of AOTI is available for media interview on request.
About AOTI
The Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI) is the professional body serving, promoting and representing Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants in the Republic of Ireland. It is the voice for the Occupational Therapy profession. AOTI provides national leadership to its members and works on their behalf with the best interest of the profession and service users in mind. AOTI promotes the value of Occupational Therapy as a critical means of improving the occupational performance, health and wellbeing of the people of Ireland. AOTI considers current practice in Ireland and abroad, working at both a strategic and operational level to advance the profession in Ireland, to ensure appropriate governance and to optimise communication with the public and its members.
