OT IN SCHOOLS
OT IN SCHOOLS
School occupational therapists are involved in:
Prevention and pre-referral activities
Assessments and student program planning for individuals with exceptional needs
Teacher, staff, and parent training sessions
Treatment Collaboration with all service providers
School-based occupational therapy practitioners are occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) who use meaningful activities (occupations) to help children and youth participate in what they need and/or want to do in order to promote physical and mental health and well-being.
Occupational therapy addresses the physical, cognitive, psychosocial and sensory components of performance.
In schools, occupational therapy practitioners focus on academics, play and leisure, social participation, self-care skills (ADLs or Activities of Daily Living), and transition/ work skills. Occupational therapy’s expertise includes activity and environmental analysis and modification with a goal of reducing the barriers to participation” (2017).