Occupational Therapy emphasizes independence in activities of daily living (e.g. dressing, feeding, money management), skill acquisition (e.g. self management skills, vocational skills) and school participation in various settings including the classroom, cafeteria, bathroom, and playground. Occupational Therapy is designed to maintain, improve or restore function of students in all educationally related activities including neuromusculoskeletal function (e.g. range of motion, muscle strength, endurance, postural control), motor function (e.g. fine motor skills, oral motor control, visual motor integration), sensory and perceptual function (e.g. integrating and processing of tactile, visual, auditory information), cognitive function (e.g. attention, memory) and psychosocial function (e.g. self-concept, interpersonal skills).
Occupational Therapy maintains and promotes function through the use of purposeful activities and development of compensatory strategies that enhance school performance. Occupational Therapy provides and maintains adaptive equipment and assistive technology (e.g. splints, word processors, toileting equipment). In an effort to guide our schools when purchasing assistive technology, we have compiled recommendations for programmatic equipment devices for the 6:1:1 and 12:1:4 classes. If you are looking for ideas for software to purchase please email Susan Abdulezer (SAbdule@schools.nyc.gov) and request the adaptive software DVD that features clips from 25 software titles. For additional advice email Karen Gorman (Kgorman@schools.nyc.gov).
Occupational Therapy may be recommended for a student whose physical needs and/or learning problems require such services and/or impede access to his/her educational program. These students may demonstrate skills that are below expectations commensurate with the student's total profile including cognitive development which adversely affects school performance. A physician's referral is required for a student to receive Occupational Therapy. The frequency and duration of services is determined by the IEP Team in collaboration with the evaluating therapist.Occupational and Physical Therapy Forms and Files
Related Services HomeAdaptive EquipmentCounselingHealth ServicesHearing Education ServicesInterpreting ServicesOccupational Therapy (OT) Office of Related and Contractual Services (ORCS)Orientation and Mobility ServicesPhysical Therapy (PT)Speech/Language TherapyEducational Vision Services
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