Occupational Therapy
Meet Our Occupational Therapist
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What is Occupational Therapy (OT)?
School Based Occupational Therapy helps students with physical, sensory, psychosocial, and cognitive needs participate in school activities by addressing fine motor skills, sensory processing, attention, social skills, and daily living tasks like
writing, playing, and self-care. OTs collaborate with teachers, parents, and other specialists to create strategies and modifications as indicated on their IEP. Our goal is to help exceptional students actively participate in their educational curriculum.
When is it appropriate to request an OT evaluation?
Occupational therapists provide the assessment and intervention for children and youth whose disability interferes with the learning process. This may include deficits in fine motor, visual motor, sensory processing and/or personal care skills.
Who determines if a student receives OT services?
The IEP team determines the need for occupational therapy services based on the student’s goals and objectives, desired student outcomes and recommendations by the occupational therapist. To be included on a student’s IEP, occupational therapy must be required to assist the student to benefit from special education.
This implies the following:
1. The student has a disability.
2. Occupational therapy interventions are educationally relevant and clear in purpose.
3. The specific knowledge base and expertise of the occupational therapist/assistant is needed in order for the student to
make progress with IEP goals in the least restrictive environment.
Helpful Links related to Occupational Therapy:
https://www.med.unc.edu/healthsciences/ocsci/nc-school-based-ot/
