In the educational setting, occupational therapy is a related service. Related services are offered only after a student has been identified as having a disability in one of thirteen qualifying categories for Special Education or through a 504 process. As a related service, occupational therapy is provided to enhance students’ abilities to adapt to and perform at their highest functioning level in their educational environment.
The occupational therapist is a member of a multi-disciplinary team whose purpose is to determine an appropriate educational program for the student with a disability. In general, the school occupational therapist’s purpose is to enhance student performance and assist in the educational process. The therapist utilizes his/her expertise to develop and maintain the motor potential of the student with a disability for functional independence in the least restrictive educational setting. In education, the needs and demands placed on the student with a disability may change from year to year. Therefore, the role of the occupational therapist and the amount and type of service may also change. Occupational therapy services include several levels of assessment and various types of intervention including direct therapy, consultation services, and/or recommendations for classrooms and home. Occupational therapy staff has implemented several programs to enhance student performance and work in collaboration with other disciplines to follow through with other specific student programming.
The occupational therapist is a member of a multi-disciplinary team whose purpose is to determine an appropriate educational program for the student with a disability. In general, the school occupational therapist’s purpose is to enhance student performance and assist in the educational process. The therapist utilizes his/her expertise to develop and maintain the motor potential of the student with a disability for functional independence in the least restrictive educational setting. In education, the needs and demands placed on the student with a disability may change from year to year. Therefore, the role of the occupational therapist and the amount and type of service may also change. Occupational therapy services include several levels of assessment and various types of intervention including direct therapy, consultation services, and/or recommendations for classrooms and home. Occupational therapy staff has implemented several programs to enhance student performance and work in collaboration with other disciplines to follow through with other specific student programming.