Occupational Therapy (OT)

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Occupational Therapy (OT) is defined as a related service. School-based OT supports instruction by focusing on the student’s strengths, reducing barriers that limit participation, and improving access and inclusion within the school environment.  The type and amount of services recommended should not restrict access to educational opportunities by distracting or removing the child from the classroom when progress toward educational goals can be made with less intrusive methods. When the IEP team determines that OT is needed for a student to meet his or her annual goals, the OT uses formal and/or informal evaluations to help determine what is needed for a student to receive a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.

Helpful Links:

American Occupational Therapy Association