Consultation means that the occupational therapist and the classroom teacher (or special teacher, special education teacher or education assistant) meet either on a regular basis, or as needed, to discuss interventions and accommodations that may be helpful, the student's progress in the areas of concern, how effective interventions and accommodations have been, with shifts as needed. The occupational therapist may work directly with the student on occasion.
When a student is placed on an accommodation plan, the team has come together to agree upon interventions and accommodations that have been proven through data to help the student. The student does not need to be on an IEP to be on an accommodation plan. The occupational therapist consults with the teacher as needed to ensure efficacy of accommodations.
Students can be placed on an Response to Intervention plan. The OT's decision to place a student on RTI typically indicates that she predicts short term interventions (combined with strategies and consultation) will likely be enough to aid the child in improving in his or her areas of weakness, and that he or she can continue to make progress with the teacher carrying these strategies over.
Just as students can be placed on intervention plan and receive all services in the classroom, students can also be placed on an RTI plan and receive intervention services in the OT classroom individually or in small groups. Here students engage in classroom- based activities as well as therapeutic, play-based games targeted at improving skills in their areas of need. They are also taught strategies that can be carried over in the classroom, and the OT and teacher consult.
Individualized education plans are developed by the educational team, consisting of parents, teachers, special educators, the school psychologist and related service providers, following a qualifying evaluation for special education eligibility. Laws require that students always receive services in the least restrictive environment possible. If data and observation support that the best environment for students to receive occupational services is in the general education classroom, OT will take place in the classroom in the form of assistance projects, cues to use strategies and accommodations.
If data and observation support that the best environment for students to receive occupational therapy services is outside of the general education classroom, students will come to the OT classroom to engage in classroom-based activities as well as therapeutic, play-based games targeted at improving skills in their areas of need. They are also taught strategies that can be carried over in the classroom.