The Next 25 Years: A Look into the Future of ASHT
By Chris Blake, OTR/L, CHT, ASHT President-Elect 

Golden hours of vision come to us in this present life, when we are at our best, and our faculties work together in harmony. – Charles Fletcher Dole

In 1977, four occupational and two physical therapists envisioned an organization devoted to the advancement of hand therapy practice. A mere 25 years later, ASHT is the only association to collectively meet the needs of hand therapy practitioners, and now represents nearly 3,000 members.

As a profession, we owe much to these six visionaries, and throughout our 25th anniversary year, we’ve shared with the membership highlights from our illustrious past. In addition to this retrospective, ASHT Times has showcased our present accomplishments, from enhanced advocacy work to promote positive change in the profession, to increased continuing education opportunities for members, to strategic promotion of the profession to physicians, payors and the public at large. 2002 was truly a year of advancement in hand therapy. However, how do we, as individuals and as a Society, channel the vision of our founding members and plan today for opportunities tomorrow? 

Charles Fletcher Dole contended that in order to have a vision of the future, we must be at our best today. As an organization, ASHT continually strives to be the best it can be, through efficient and effective management, expanded outreach, fulfillment of member expectations and needs, and industry influence. We continue to focus on member priorities by having plans for expanded international relations, advanced level education offerings, widespread publicity efforts, research funding and improved reimbursement practices.

The future of ASHT depends upon and will be determined by our members. It is all of you, the membership, who will predict the future of the Society.

Between patient visits, family carpools and trips to the grocery store, it is imperative that we allow ourselves to be visionaries. It not only benefits our association and our practices, but enriches our lives. Here are some recommendations on what you can do today to influence ASHT’s vision for tomorrow:

• Volunteer!
• Know what’s going on in your environment – visit www.asht.org once a week to keep track of breaking news and supply ASHT Headquarters with updates of what is going on in your practice and your state.
• Research, research, research. Our growth in hand therapy treatment is dependant on research. If you don’t know where to start or if your funding is limited, contact ASHT Headquarters to apply for the new Evelyn Mackin Research Grant beginning in 2003.
• Support ASHT’s efforts to promote and protect hand therapy practice. Donating to the Vision Fund can make a difference. Visit the ASHT Advocacy section to read about the orthotics and prosthetics initiative as well as other advocacy efforts. Details for funding these efforts can also be viewed on the Web site. See Donor Opportunities under About ASHT.
• Maintain your ASHT membership and refer a colleague. Your support ensures that ASHT can continue to be an advocate of change.