Occupational Therapy

An occupational therapist (OT) in the school setting supports a student’s ability to participate in daily school activities or “occupations”.


Functions

OTs collaborate with educational staff, parents and community providers to identify and modify challenges that students face throughout their school day.

OTs may support students by providing interventions for skill advancement, compensatory strategies, equipment and environmental adaptations, and activity modifications to maximize the student’s independence.


Availability

School-based occupational therapy is available for students who are eligible for special education and services are determined through the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process.

Some areas in which occupational therapists help support students include:

  • Fine Motor: holding writing tools and other small objects, manipulate toys 
  • Eye-Hand Coordination: use of scissors, puzzles 
  • Visual Motor: printing, drawing, coloring, forming figures 
  • Visual Perceptual: sorting, matching, letter reversals 
  • Self-Care: dressing, feeding, using utensils; following routines 
  • Sensory: responses to sensory inputs; differences impacting school participation 
  • Strength/Endurance: manipulating materials, sustaining body positions, moving against gravity