What is the difference between Educational vs. Medical models of Occupational Therapy?
Educational OT
services improve a student's ability to function in his school environment and support goals on their individual education plan.
Medical OT services are designed to maximize one's ability to function at home and in his community.
What does an occupational therapist do in a school?
An occupational therapist (OT) helps with the non-academic tasks that a student needs to be successful at school whatever their age or ability level and supports skills targeted on their individual education plan.
What types of skills does an occupational therapist address?
An occupational therapist looks at fine motor, visual motor, sensory processing, work and daily living skills.
Which students does occupational therapist work with?
OT's work with student who have services identified on individual education programs (IEP's), 504 plans or are identified at at risk for school performance.
OT's also consult with staff and parents for strategies and activities that will help carryover skills learned throughout the school day and at home.
What is the difference between OT and PT in the schools?
In general, OTs may work with a child to improve hand function, visual motor skills, organizational skills, oral-motor function and independence in other areas of self-care. PTs focus on gross motor functioning evaluating how a student moves on the playground, in the classroom and accessing the building.
Welcome to the website of Terri Bissell, Occupational Therapist for Twinsburg City Schools!
