Thread - 1: I’ve said this before and I will say it again...there is a HUGE divide between ATs who practice clinically and others. Period. Point. Blank.

I’ve seen this among AT friends and AT professional contacts.

As a young AT I was told to not be afraid to move to get work.

2: After working in Wisconsin and as a grad assistant in Arizona, I wanted to move back home to California to be close to family.

The only AT jobs that I was able to find were HS or club sport level. I ended up working both at a high school and with club sports.

3: All of the college/university jobs that opened were quickly filled by those in line or by men who I went to school with/knew professionally.

After several years of working several jobs I decided to take on a position in higher ed. But continued to be a part of the AT world.

4: I continued to cover club sports throughout the SoCal cal state system and have been a key volunteer for the NATA Career Center for the last 10 yrs.

My dissertation research and juco teaching assignments are all part of the AT world.

However, I still feel a disconnect.

5: I feel a disconnect in conversations, I feel a disconnect in support, I feel a disconnect in how ATs who are in traditional settings see those of us who are not.

More over those of us who are in different fields even if they align with our AT education.

6: I’m saying all of this to say that I’ve experienced the pushing out of the field. I have experienced the good ol’ boys club, & I have experienced the closed mindness of ATs.

We have to do better > I have also seen how amazing this community is and know that it’s possible.