Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are part of the education team within a school district. The profession of occupational therapy is concerned with a person’s ability to participate in desired daily life activities or “occupations.” Occupational Therapy in the school is somewhat different than therapy provided in private therapy settings. According to AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association), in the schools, occupational therapy practitioners use their unique expertise to help children to prepare for and perform important learning and school-related activities and to fulfill their role as students. In this setting, occupational therapy practitioners support academic and non-academic outcomes needed for school success. Despite the presence of a disability, the focus of intervention is not on remediation but rather, it is on enabling a student to make effective school progress in the least restrictive environment.
Occupational therapy services for students with special needs are determined through the special education evaluation process. Occupational therapists complete assessments and work with other members of the school-based team to help determine what is needed for a student to receive a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. They collaborate with the team to identify a student’s annual goals and determine the services, supports, modifications, and accommodations that are required for the student to achieve these goals.
School based occupational therapy is provided via consultation, in-class services, or out of class services with the aim to provide the most efficient and most effective intervention to facilitate functional performance within the least restricted school environment.
Occupational therapy services for students with special needs are determined through the special education evaluation process. Occupational therapists complete assessments and work with other members of the school-based team to help determine what is needed for a student to receive a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. They collaborate with the team to identify a student’s annual goals and determine the services, supports, modifications, and accommodations that are required for the student to achieve these goals.
School based occupational therapy is provided via consultation, in-class services, or out of class services with the aim to provide the most efficient and most effective intervention to facilitate functional performance within the least restricted school environment.