The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is a U.S-based individual membership professional organization representing more than 100,000 member physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical therapy. The nonprofit association seeks to improve the health and quality of life of individuals in society by advancing physical therapist practice, education, and research, and by increasing the awareness and understanding of physical therapy's role in the nation's health care system.

APTA Oregon, a chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association, was incorporated in 1954 as an Oregon non-profit entity. The association's purpose is to meet the physical therapy needs of the general public and its members through the development and improvement of physical therapy education, practice, and research. APTA Oregon serves this purpose through the activities of the association and the executive office. We sponsor numerous continuing education opportunities throughout the year, including our conferences in the spring and fall. We actively communicate with state agencies in the development of administrative rules and policies governing the practice of and reimbursement for physical therapy services. During legislative sessions, our members play a key role in the law-making process through the introduction of bills, testimony, and individual communication with legislators. We maintain a relationship with the Physical Therapists Licensing Board in the development of rules and information relative to the professional practice.

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) fosters equity and excellence for every learner through collaboration with educators, partners, and communities. The Oregon Department of Education oversees the education of over 560,000 students in Oregon’s public K-12 education system. ODE encompasses early learning, public preschool programs, the state School for the Deaf, regional programs for children with disabilities, and education programs in Oregon youth corrections facilities. While ODE isn’t in the classroom directly providing services, the agency (along with the State Board) - focuses on helping districts achieve both local and statewide goals and priorities through strategies such as:

• Developing policies and standards

• Providing accurate and timely data to inform instruction

• Training teachers on how to use data effectively

• Effectively administering numerous state and federal grants

• Sharing and helping districts implement best practices