The Occupational Therapist's Handbook for Inclusive School Practices

A great occupational therapist is a key success factor in your inclusive school: OTs are on the front lines every day, making critical decisions that help students access the curriculum and fully participate. This is the friendly, down-to-earth survival guide OTs need to deliver their important services effectively as part of an inclusive school team.

Packed with practical guidance and tips, examples that relate directly to an OT’s daily practice, and first-person insights from seasoned OTs, this guidebook is key to helping students develop new skills in key areas, from motor skills and mobility to academic achievement and friendships. All new OTs should read this book before their first day in an inclusive school; and veteran OTs will find it invaluable for ensuring that supports are delivered in the least restrictive environment.

Strategies that help OTs:

• collaborate with other members of the school team
• choose and use environmental, behavioural, social, and academic supports that help students succeed
• stay focused on strengths and abilities rather than disability
• use an RTI framework to deliver appropriate levels of support
• match supports to students’ specific strengths
• avoid “the Velcro effect” and support student independence
• facilitate peer supports and friendships
• resolve challenging behaviour in gentle, positive ways
• keep expectations high for all students

Includes tools and checklists to help:

• organise team meeting notes
• choose student supports
• define team roles and responsibilities
• support participation of non-verbal students
• presume competence
• and more.

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Table of Contents

About the Forms

About the Authors

Foreword - Norman Kunc

Foreword - Jane Case-Smith

Preface

Acknowledgments

1: The Occupational Therapist

2: Special Education

3: Inclusive Education

4: Collaborating with Others: Working within a Team

5: Rethinking Students: Presuming Competence

6: Providing Social Supports: Standing Back

7: Providing Academic Supports

Appendix: Useful Web Sites and Resources for Assistive Technology

8: Providing Behavioral Supports

9: Supporting You, Supporting Them: Caring for Yourself

Appendix: Book Club Books, Articles, and Self-Care Books

References

Index