role of occupational therapy with children and youth in school-based practice

Role of Occupational Therapy with Role of Occupational Therapy with Children and YouthChildren and Youth

in School-Based Practicein School-Based Practice

Occupational Therapy Practitioners promote functional abilities and engagement in daily routines.

...the “occupation” of life skills…

Areas of Occupation • Work• Leisure/Play• Social Participation• ADL/ IADL• Education

Used with permission from D. Woodyard

Under Part B of IDEAUnder Part B of IDEAUnder Part B of IDEAUnder Part B of IDEAServices are provided through Services are provided through the IEP to promote academic the IEP to promote academic

success and social success and social participation…participation…

...to access, progress, and ...to access, progress, and participate in the general participate in the general

curriculum in the least curriculum in the least restrictive environment.restrictive environment.

OT is designated as a related service under Part B of IDEA and is considered a pupil service under NCLB.

Definition of OT in Part B Regulation

Occupational therapy—“(i) Means services provided by aqualified occupational therapist; and(ii) Includes—(A) Improving, developing, orrestoring functions impaired or lostthrough illness, injury, or deprivation;(B) Improving ability to perform tasksfor independent functioning if functionsare impaired or lost; and(C) Preventing, through earlyintervention, initial or furtherimpairment or loss of function.”

(Pub. L. 108-446)

Through collaboration, team-based, individualized goals are established to:

• promote school success • reach outcomes…

…Outcomes are related to:

Classroom skillsPlayground and sports participationSelf-help skillsSocial participationMobilitySocial-emotional learningAssistive technology needsSensory regulationPrevocational and transition needs

In school-based practice, occupational therapy practitioners support all children, with or without disabilities, to fulfill their roles as students.

Through…

Early Intervening Services:• Response to Intervention• Positive Behavior Supports

Early Intervening Services

Provided when occupational therapy practitioners support students in general education before they are referred to special education.

Occupational Therapy in Action

Examples of service or support that a school–based occupational therapist might offer include:

Evaluate the student’s strengths and abilities through observations, and other formal and informal methods

Used with permission from Claudia Mielach

Promote independence & function

Identify services and modifications necessary for the child to actively

participate

Used with permission from Jan Emerick Brothers

In the classroom• Seating/positioning modifications• Classroom management• Handwriting

Used with permission from Jan Emerick Brothers

On the playground• Social participation skills• Motor skills for engagement in activities• Self-advocacy skills

Copyright AOTA

In the lunchroom• Promoting independence in self-feeding• Developing peer relationships• Organizing self and materials

Used with permission from Kathy Adams

• Safety • Seating needs• Evacuation procedures

On the school bus

Copyright AOTA

Through the hallways• Geographical orientation• Locker management• Self-care in bathroom

Copyright AOTA

Occupational therapy practitioners support all children’s ability to succeed throughout their daily routines in school.

Addressing sensory needs• Self-regulation• Tolerating sensory input• Alerting/attending

Copyright AOTA

Addressing social-emotional needs• Managing and expressing emotions• Turn-taking skills• Impulse control

Copyright AOTA

Offering transition plans and services• Prevocational training• Leisure activity analysis• Community mobility

Copyright AOTA

Providing supports through assistive technology

Used with permission from Chris Ruggerio

Providing adaptations or modifications necessary for

participation

Used with permission from J. Schoonover

Occupational therapy practitioners work collaboratively with the team for school

success of all students.

Used with permission from J. Schoonover

How can we help you?

• Direct service• Consultation• Training and development

To learn more, contact the American Occupational Therapy Association

www.aota.org301-652-AOTA (2682)