• What is Occupational Therapy? 

    "In its simplest terms, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes. Occupational therapy services typically include:

    • an individualized evaluation, during which the client/family and occupational therapist determine the person’s goals, 
    • customized intervention to improve the person’s ability to perform daily activities and reach the goals, and
    • an outcomes evaluation to ensure that the goals are being met and/or make changes to the intervention plan."

    For more information, see: https://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy.aspx

    What is School-Based Occupational Therapy? 

    The following information from the American Occupational Therapy Association perfectly encompasses school-based occupational therapy: 

    "A child’s life is made up of “occupations,” or daily activities. These occupations include playing, learning, and socializing. Occupational therapy practitioners work with children and their families to help them succeed in these activities throughout the day."

    "School occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are key contributors within the education team. They support a student’s ability to participate in desired daily school activities or “occupations.” They help children to fulfill their role as students by supporting their academic achievement and promoting positive behaviors necessary for learning."

    "Occupational therapy practitioners have specific knowledge and expertise to increase participation in school routines throughout the day. Interventions include:

    • Conducting activity and environmental analysis and making recommendations to improve the fit for greater access, progress, and participation 
    • Reducing barriers that limit student participation within the school environment 
    • Providing assistive technology to support student success 
    • Supporting the needs of students with significant challenges, such as by helping to determine methods for alternate educational assessment and learning
    • Helping to identify long-term goals for appropriate post-school outcomes 
    • Helping to plan relevant instructional activities for ongoing implementation in the classroom 
    • Preparing students for successfully transitioning into appropriate post–high school employment, independent living, and/or further education"

    For more information, see: 

    https://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/AboutOT/Professionals/WhatIsOT/CY/Fact-Sheets/School%20Settings%20fact%20sheet.pdf