North Dakota South East Education Cooperative
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Contact NDSEEC

Email: ndseec.info@k12.nd.us

3170 43rd St. S. #103
Fargo, ND 58104

Phone: 701.997.2210

Fax: 701.404.5366

Occupational & Physical Therapy

Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists in the educational setting focus specifically on assisting students in accessing and participating in their education. OTs and PTs use a variety of activities to help students develop skills, use compensatory strategies, and modify the equipment and/or the environment. Collaboration and education of school personnel is also done to best meet the needs of the students. Below are examples of the activities/areas therapists can assist with in the educational setting.

ND School-Based OT & PT Conference

Sept. 21-22, 2023 | Fargo

Occupational Therapy

Participation in the Classroom

  • Prerequisite skills for handwriting and cutting tasks (arm and core strength, visual motor skills, finger dexterity, etc.)
  • Transitions (from one task to the next)
  • Accommodations to assist with skills needed for academic success (sensory processing, attention, emotional regulation)

Mobility in School

  • Safety
  • Following routines
  • Carrying suppliers (lunch tray, backpack, books, etc.)

Daily Routine Skills

  • Putting on and off outdoor gear (boots, coat, etc.)
  • Fasteners
  • Restroom hygiene
  • Lunch and snack (eating with utensils and opening containers)

Life Skills

  • Social Skills
  • Job participation
  • Community interaction

Physical Therapy

Participation in the Classroom

  • Sitting at a desk or in a chair
  • Transfers (sitting to stand, chair to floor, etc.)
  • Balance (sitting, standing, reaching, etc.)

Mobility in School

  • Transitions
  • Safety
  • Stairs, managing doors, wheelchair mobility
  • Endurance and balance

Daily Routine and Life Skills

  • Balance and coordination
  • Accessing and maneuvering in lunch room
  • Accessing and maneuvering on school bus
  • Community mobility
  • Job participation

Playground and Physical Education Skills

  • Accessing playground equipment
  • Walking, running, jumping, skipping, hopping
  • Ball skills