Innovation Award

Award Definition: Recognizes OTR and COTA certificants who demonstrate the delivery of an effective, innovative, and evidence-based program or intervention that enhances the quality of life for a person or persons.

Eligibility Requirements

• Current NBCOT certification in good standing is required for the award nominee
• The program/intervention must be supported with evidence
• Strong connection to the NBCOT mission must be demonstrated

Geographic Scope

• Not limited to United States; international work is eligible

Award Benefits

• Award recognition
• Featured spotlight in NBCOT publications and social media
• Press release to share the news
• Free certification renewal for the next renewal cycle

What the Award Looks For

• Innovative programs that show continuity rather than single, time-limited efforts
• Novel, creative, or cutting-edge approaches to enhancing quality of life
• Clear objectives and vision statements

Contact Information

• Mailing Address: One Bank Street, Suite 300, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
• Phone: 1-301-990-7979
• Email: info@nbcot.org
• Website: https://www.nbcot.org/awards/innovation-award

Application Status

The application submission window is currently closed. Decisions are announced in mid-summer.

How to Apply

1. Access the award application platform and create an account
   • You can also log in using your Google username and password
2. Complete the award application
3. Attach the following required documents:
   • Program information including two of any of the following: website link, brochure, press release, or publication
   • Nominee's résumé (only if self-nominating)
4. Submit the application

Note: Self-nomination or nomination by others is accepted.

Application Questions

Detailed description of the innovative program/intervention:

• Include client population, program/intervention objectives and vision
• Explain how the program/intervention represents a new approach to enhancing the quality of life for a person or persons
• Provide evidence or a rationale for why you believe the program/intervention represents a novel approach
• Consider whether the program or intervention truly represents "innovation" (creative or cutting-edge)
• Ensure objectives and vision are clearly stated

Summary of evidence showing the effectiveness of the innovative program/intervention:

• Describe how it has positively influenced participants' quality of life
• Evidence can be any type: qualitative, quantitative, testimonials, pre- and post-intervention client reports, anecdotes, etc.
• Evidence should be compelling and specific
• Note: Research-level evidence is not required; all types of evidence will be considered

Describe how the innovative program/intervention supports the mission of NBCOT:

• Make a strong connection between the program or intervention and NBCOT's mission

Submission Tips

• Develop thoughtful responses; avoid rushing
• Stay on track and always connect responses back to the question
• Avoid simply restating questions in your own words
• Include details and examples where indicated
• Avoid broad or vague language
• Keep responses clear and simple to understand
• Be objective about the work
• Consider working with colleagues to co-review your application before submitting
• The application platform saves your work as you go; you can enter and exit multiple times
• Use the "Collaborator" feature in the application platform to invite others to view and/or edit your application
• Complete time: less than 30 minutes (if materials are prepared in advance)