Occupational Therapy (OT)

An Occupational Therapist is a trained health professional that uses purposeful, goal-directed activities and task analysis to enable a child with a disability to benefit from their individualized Education Program (IEP). The focus of OT services in a school setting is to promote functional independence or participation within the educational environment. A school-based OT addresses a child's needs in the areas of fine motor and gross motor skills, sensory processing, visual perceptual skills and self-care.

OT services may be delivered directly to the child, on behalf of the child (consultation with parents and teachers) or through modifications and support for school personnel that will be provided for the child. School-based Occupational Therapy services are not intended to satisfy the medical needs of a student and can not "stand alone" as a special education service.