Occupational Therapy

Lead Occupational Therapist, Julie Swinney 

 

Occupational therapy (OT) can be provided in many settings, including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and schools. While the goals of therapy may sometimes be similar, school-based therapy has a different purpose than therapy provided in a medical setting.

 

In a medical setting, OT focuses on treating a person's physical, developmental, or functional needs. Therapy may work to improve strength, movement, coordination, daily living skills, or other areas affected by a medical or developmental condition.

 

School-based occupational therapy provides educationally related support services to students, families, and instructional staff to assist students in benefiting from special education. The main goal of school-based OT is to help the student participate as independently and successfully as possible in school activities and routines. 

 

Occupational Therapy services are provided in an integrative manner in the student's natural setting. Services may consist of skilled student observations, direct student interventions, consultation/collaboration/training with educational staff, and provision of appropriate adapted equipment to support the educational program.  The therapist looks at how a student's physical, motor, sensory, or functional needs may affect their ability to take part in school activities.

 

The school-based OT works with the ARD/IEP team to determine what therapy, strategies, adaptations, or supports may be helpful. A medical diagnosis alone does not determine whether school-based therapy is needed; the focus is on how the student's needs affect their ability to participate in and benefit from school.