Occupational Therapy in Special Schools
From October 14, we start a series of trainings for “Occupational Therapy” in five special schools for rehabilitation and education of students with special educational needs.
Occupational therapy with children in special schools helps them develop functional skills for everyday life in the areas of self-care, life skills, school work and play
The aim of occupational therapy within school is to enable children to become as independent as possible (at home, at school and in play) and to utilise the skills they develop. This may be by:
• Promoting the development of functional skills such as:
– Self-care skills (e.g. eating, dressing)
– Coordination
– Hand function (fine motor skills) – handwriting
– Perception (e.g. body and spatial awareness, visual discrimination).
• Assessing and advising on specialist equipment such as special seating, feeding (in liaison with a speech and language therapist when appropriate), toileting, hoists, slings, bathing etc.
The one-day training on “Occupational Therapy in Special Schools” aims to introduce social practitioners in special schools to the theoretical and practical tools of OT in order be supported to more comprehensive educational programs personalized to their student needs.
Occupational Therapy for Adolescence
Adolescence is already a difficult time of emotional, physical and cognitive change for young people and this difficulty is compounded for those with disabilities.
Adolescence is already a difficult time of emotional, physical and cognitive change for young people and this difficulty is compounded for those with disabilities.
• Assessment of moving and handling needs of the child/teenager with disability.
• Using sensory integration and modulation techniques to help calm and organize themselves in order that they can improve their concentration and so participate more ably in activities.
• Occupational Therapists also assess, and advise parents to consider the home possible adaptations.
• Advice on Special skills and Employment orientation.
• Setting up a programme of exercises and activities to be carried out regularly at school and/or at home.
• Advising on strategies to minimise the risk to the child/teenager with disability and the carer in moving and handling in collaboration with the Special School educators and other therapists.
• Providing general advice to be incorporated into daily living activities at home and/or curricular activities at school.
• Advising on and demonstrating specialist equipment.
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