OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

School-based occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) are important contributors within the educational team. They are trained in assisting children to succeed by addressing both physical and mental well-being through the use of meaningful activities (occupations) and the therapeutic use of self.   OTs promote students’ abilities to engage in daily school activities and routines. They help children to achieve their role as students by supporting their academic achievement and encouraging positive behaviors needed for learning.

Skill areas in which occupational therapists assist students include:

• fine motor  
• visual perceptual
• visual motor
• play and leisure
• social participation
• handwriting
• sensory processing
• posture and positioning
• activities of daily living and self-care
• pre-vocational and work
• life skills (money, clothing and home management)

At Bright Beginnings Learning Center, OT is provided both in one-on-one individual sessions (either pull-out in the therapy gym or push-in to the classroom) and integrated sessions with the entire class, supporting a collaborative model with the teachers to address student goals. We utilize a large therapy gym space that has sensory equipment (e.g., swings, trampoline, scooter ramp) and table top areas, as well as a small sensory room.

The OTs at BBLC are also skilled at:

• Adapting materials (e.g., fabricating coloring splints, built-up utensils) and in the use of assistive devices (e.g., switches, adapted keyboard) for improving students access to their environment and functional mobility for learning, play and self-care.
• Working closely with orthotists and equipment vendors who visit the school regularly with the aim of ordering and repairing splints, pressure vests and adaptive equipment.
• Determining sensory strategies to assist self-regulation and modulation through assessment and consultation with teachers and parents, to be implemented throughout the school day for improved attention and participation.

Our OTs have many years of experience in developing individualized, client-centered goals and objectives and carrying out therapeutic programs to support students in gaining optimal levels of functional independence and success. In OT, we put the “fun” in function.

Source: AOTA