Occupational Therapy In Public Schools

Jimmy Dean once said, “ I can’t change the direction of the wind, but i can adjust my sails to always reach my destination”. With patients and the right guidance teachers allow students to adjust their sails to reach their goals in life. “Occupational therapy is the health profession that focuses on maximizing a person's ability to participate in life independently” (“April is”) . Some Occupational therapist work in school environments specializing in helping students improve daily tasks and allowing for an easier time learning in a school setting.

I Occupational Therapy is a specialized type of therapy that focuses on the treatment and development of daily life skilled to improve one's way of life. Many occupational therapist work with young
In 1975 The Education of All Handicapped Children Act caused public schools to provide occupational therapy to students with disabilities for free. The laws also insured that students who received this specialized type of therapy would receive it in a suitable manner for the circumstances of each student. The law has been amended several times.“Current practice falls under the 1997 amendments to IDEA, which continued to list occupational therapy as a related service that is provided "as may be required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education," and includes the early identification and assessment of disabling conditions in children” (Cantu). In Spite of the laws put in place to insure the proper and necessary therapy for kids with disabilities, many problems have occurred. There is an overwhelming number of students in need of the care and services that occupational therapy provides, however the large number of students can not be meet with the limited number of qualified therapists and in most school districts under funding of this program. It is up to Occupational therapist and the school to determine the student's annual goals and what steps are necessary for them to reach them. “In some instances, students whose disability affects their participation in school but who do not qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), may be eligible to
Collaborative consultation consists of many people working together to create an enhanced or change a solution to a problem, through talking and working together. As of occupational theory collaborative consultation is done through the student, occupational therapist, teachers, and parents. With a constant communication between all of these people it allows for each member of the students life to be fully aware of the skills and focuses of the child and what goals the student is trying to meet. Collaborative consultation is practised throughout all school-based occupational therapy. When Teachers, partners and therapist all meet to talk they are usually discuss the child's IEP, Individualized Education Plan. This education plan is for a small percentage of students who receive occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech services, special education or even behavioral problems. The education plan is created in a team effort and includes a written document stating the child's educational goals. “By law, the educational team determines the need for special education and support services. The team includes the child's parents, teachers, therapists, psychologist, educational diagnostician and an administrator. Information gathered from IEP team members is presented at the initial meeting . A review of the student's strengths and