UNITED STATES SCHOOL-BASED OTs and PTs LOOKING FOR CHANGE

In most states in the US, Occupational & Physical Therapy practitioners are often not included under the umbrella of “teachers”, along with speech therapists, social workers, guidance counselors, and psychologists.

This is due to VERY OLD state legislation that was put in place WAY before OTs started participating in Common Core, RTI, etc.   Way before 20% of OT practitioners were employed in schools.

Social workers address the social-emotional and behavioral needs of students that impact a child’s ability to access the curriculum.

School psychologists address social-emotional needs, coping strategies, and other areas that impact a child’s ability to succeed in the classroom.

Speech-language therapists address expressive and receptive language deficits that impact a child’s ability to learn.

Occupational Therapy practitioners address impaired physical functioning which hampers the ability to perform daily life tasks, psychosocial problems which impede the ability to function in daily life, special needs which require modification of the physical environment and/or use of specialized equipment and technologies. Activities emphasize independence in daily living skills and school participation in various settings including classroom, bathroom, cafeteria, and playground.

Physical therapists address deficits in body structure and function, suggesting adaptations to physical tasks, recommending assistive devices, and adapting the environment.  Activities emphasize independence in mobility and school participation in various settings including classroom, bathroom, cafeteria, and playground.