Occupational Therapy

We service students early childhood through 12th grade in all of the schools throughout District. The children we work with have various special needs and we help them to access their educational environment and special education program.

Occupational therapy in the schools incorporates using functional activities to increase independence in children with disabilities. “The word occupation in the field of occupational therapy means active participation in self-maintenance, work, leisure, and play” (p. 43 DPI OT/PT Resource Guide). It is important that in therapy, the child is working on something that is purposeful to him or herself. Occupational therapy can assist the child with increasing independence in self-cares and functional mobility. OT also incorporates improving visual-motor skills, visual perceptual skills and sensory processing capabilities.

Occupational Therapy in the schools is governed by state and federal laws and is a related service to a child’s special education programming. Occupational therapy provides support to children receiving special education only if he/she needs therapy to function in the educational setting. In schools, the need for therapy is determined by the IEP team. The team designates the amount, frequency and duration of intervention.

Occupational therapy can be provided as direct or indirect therapy. Direct therapy incorporates working directly with the child. Indirect therapy includes consulting with team members and providing strategies to use in the classroom setting. Therapists may provide services in a variety of educational environments which may include classrooms, gyms, playgrounds, lunchrooms, kitchens, bathrooms or a therapy room.