<p style="text-align: center;"><strong> OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SCHOOL YEAR 2013-2014</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>WHAT is school based Occupational Therapy?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> O.T. in the school setting is a related service addressing functional skills in the educational environment such as:</p>

<ul>
	<li>
<div style="text-align: left;">Motor function</div></li>
	<li>
<div style="text-align: left;">Handwriting</div></li>
	<li>
<div style="text-align: left;">Self care skills</div></li>
	<li>
<div style="text-align: left;"> Oral motor abilities</div></li>
	<li>Sensory processing</li>
	<li>Visual perceptual skills</li>
	<li>Attention span</li>
	<li>Pre-vocational skills/interests</li>
	<li>Assistive technology</li>
	<li>Social skills</li>
</ul>
<strong>WHY do children receive O.T. in school?</strong>

In 1975, federal legislation titled Public Law 94-142 was passed. This law requires all school age children ages 3 through high school with a disability to receive special education and related services (O.T.).  In 1990, Congress reauthorized Public Law 94-142 and renamed it the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act  (I.D.E.A.).

<strong>WHAT is the difference between school based O.T. and medically based O.T.?</strong>

School based O.T. is provided when a student needs therapy to function in an educational setting. It is provided at no cost to the parent. Medically based O.T. focuses on a child's medical needs. It  is provided in a clinic, hospital or at home and usually is paid for by insurance companies or Medicaid.

<strong>WHAT type of activities may occur during an O.T. session?</strong>
<ul>
	<li>Strengthening exercises for the hand, wrist, shoulder and trunk</li>
	<li>Stretching exercises</li>
	<li>Instruction and practice on activities of daily living skills such as zipping, buttoning, shoe tying, eating, grooming and other self-care skills</li>
	<li>Tasks to imporve visual skills such as sorting, puzzles, etc.</li>
	<li>Assessment of school environment for possible modification/adaptation of furnishings, tools, equipment (i.e. slant boards, pencil grips, computer equipment, etc.)</li>
	<li>Activities to improve handwriting and computer skills</li>
	<li>Coordiantion activities</li>
	<li>Activities to improve sensory processing such as obstacle courses, swinging, jumping, etc.</li>
	<li>Assistance with organizational skills</li>
	<li>Opportunity for social skill development</li>
	<li>Exploration and development of pre-vocational skills</li>
	<li>Consultation with all staff working with the student</li>
</ul>
<strong>HOW can parents help a student who receives O.T.?</strong>
<ul>
	<li>Report concerns regarding the student's function at home</li>
	<li>Communicate with the therapist frequently</li>
	<li>Ask for home activities to support school performance</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

<strong>TEN BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR CHILDREN</strong>

<strong></strong>10. Improves overall fitness

9. Practice motor skill

8. Encourages on task behavior &amp; organization skills

7. Improves self confidence

6. Encourages socialization with friends

5. Reduces obesity

4. Improves mood

3. Helps with self regulation

2. Encourages setting &amp; achieving goals

1. Brain booster for cognitive skills (executive functioning, attention span, memory, verbal comprehension), motor planning &amp; impulse control.