Occupational Therapy in the Educational Setting?

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.”  Additionally, they play a critical role in training parents, other staff members, and caregivers regarding educating students with diverse learning needs.

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants bring specific knowledge and expertise to the education team to appropriately address student needs. Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants know how to

· reduce barriers that limit student participation within the school environment

· utilize assistive technology to support student success

· support the needs of students with significant challenges, such as by helping to determine methods for alternate assessment

· help identify long-term goals for post-school outcomes

· help plan relevant instructional activities for ongoing implementation in the classroom

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants work with a variety of individuals to address student needs. Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants work with

· students to improve their performance in a variety of learning environments (e.g., playgrounds, classrooms, lunchrooms, bathrooms)

· parents to help them support their children's learning and participation in school educators and other school support staff to plan and develop activities and environments that include all students

· administrators to provide training for students, staff, and parents, as well as to recommend equipment for schools and ways to modify existing buildings and curriculum to allow access for all

Occupational therapy services for students with special needs are determined through the IEP process. School-based occupational therapy is available for students who are eligible for special education services. 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 other members of the education 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. When the IEP team determines that occupational therapy is needed for a student in order to meet his or her annual goals, then occupational therapy should be included in the student's IEP.

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants address student needs in other ways. Occupational therapy practitioners and school districts across the country are finding innovative and creative ways to integrate occupational therapy expertise across educational environments. This includes providing valuable services to meet the broader student and systemic needs beyond what is required under IDEA. These services include occupational therapists participating in pre-referral activities to address student behavior and learning needs, curriculum and program development, and school health and safety; identifying assessment accommodations required under the No Child Left Behind mandates; and developing violence prevention programs and others. Many schools utilize the occupational therapist's knowledge and expertise to assist in developing curriculums such as handwriting and social skills.