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
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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