Dr. Helen P. LeVesconte Award for Volunteerism with the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists

Helen LeVesconte was a pioneer in occupational therapy. She graduated from the first class at the University of Toronto in 1928. From that time until 1972 she was active in the profession. She died November 26, 1982.

As a clinician, consultant to the Ontario Government, professor and later director of the course in occupational therapy at the University of Toronto her main concern was that the standards of occupational therapy education and practice be maintained.

Helen was very involved in the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists fulfilling various duties. In 1959 her book “Guidepost of Occupational Therapy” was published. She also published widely in professional journals.

Many honours were bestowed upon her from within and outside the profession, recognizing her exceptional contribution to all aspects of occupational therapy. She was a leader, and a great influence on the development of occupational therapy in Canada.

The Dr. Helen P. LeVesconte Award for Volunteerism with the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists is awarded by CAOT in memory of Helen.

The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists will honour a member who has made an exceptional contribution to the profession of occupational therapy through volunteering with the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists by presenting the individual with the Dr. Helen P. LeVesconte Award for Volunteerism with the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.

Lectureship, Nomination and Narrative Forms

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Recipients

2017 Recipient

Sandra Bressler 

A past CAOT President (1996-1998) and longtime Board member, Sandra is recognized for her extensive service to CAOT in these roles and many others.  As CAOT’s WFOT Delegate, she was instrumental in creating an annual session at CAOT Conferences for WFOT presentations. She also strengthened relations between international associations to support the growth of occupational therapy globally. She has served on a number of committees, including the CAOT Awards Committee, the Joint Accreditation Committee of the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapists Assistant Education Accreditation Program, has been an editor of the International Connections section of Occupational Therapy Now (OT Now) , and has mentored occupational therapy student in the Momentum program. Sandra’s professional accomplishments, exceptional judgement, compassion, and adaptability have made her an admired and influential leader in the occupational therapy community. 

Past Recipients