Occupational Therapy (OT)

What is an Occupational Therapist (OT)?

An occupational therapist is a trained health professional that uses purposeful, goal directed activities and task analysis to enable a child with a disability to benefit from their individualized education program (IEP). Federal law mandates that occupational therapy (OT) in the school system be educationally relevant. The focus of OT services in a school setting is to promote functional independence or participation within the educational environment. Educational OT services are those services developed by educational personnel and the family and authorized in a student's IEP. OT services may be delivered directly to the child, on behalf of the child (consultation with parents and teachers) or through modifications and support for school personnel that will be provided for the child (in-service training). The IEP team may determine that the student does not require occupational therapy through the educational program. OT services are not intended to satisfy the medical needs of a student and therefore may not meet the total therapy needs of the student. However, the student's family may wish to pursue therapy services outside the educational setting.

The federal definition of occupational therapy as a related service means services provided by a qualified occupational therapist;
and includes:

• Improving, developing or restoring functions impaired or lost through illness, injury, or deprivation;
• Improving ability to perform tasks for independent functioning if functions are impaired or lost; and
• Preventing through early intervention, initial or further impairment or loss of function. [34 CFR 300.24(b) (5)]

Occupational Therapy services are provided differently under Part B and Part C of IDEA 

Professional Learning

Positioning Strategies to Promote School Participation

Please join us for this virtual seminar where Pam will unveil the transformative potential of the 24-hour postural care (24PC) pathway in positively influencing posture and function throughout the school day. You will learn various assessment tools at the participation, and body function and structure levels to identify the postural needs of children with complex disabilities. These tools range from quick, straightforward assessments like the Lifebox and Activity Routine Analysis to more comprehensive evaluations such as the School Function Assessment and Wheelchair Assessment.

Pam will share valuable strategies for the selection of seating, standing, and lying equipment, ensuring sustained postural support throughout the school day and beyond. She will also discuss ideas for implementation and monitoring the use of such equipment. To deepen comprehension, Pam will illustrate the use of the 24PC pathway via a case study. Leave the course with practical strategies, valuable resources, and a systematic approach to improve daytime posture and function through the holistic 24-hour postural care approach.

Audience: OTs, PTs, OTAs, and PTAs

Educational Level: Intermediate

**Registration does not guarantee enrollment in the training or admission. The facilitators of the class will review all registered participants and then, based on cross participation across the state, will make a determination about who will and will not attend.

This event will not be recorded.

Please be aware that: It is a policy in the Exceptional Student Services Unit (ESSU) that all training registrations must be closed two weeks prior to the event to address all the conference/meeting logistics needs.

**Registration will close on October 4, 2024

**Confirmation of registration will be sent out the week of October 7, 2024

Listserv

The Colorado Department of Education Occupational Therapy listserv supports school-based OTs: 1) by providing information and news regarding the profession; 2) by announcing professional development and training opportunities; and, 3) by posting school-based job openings. There are no advertisements from vendors or contract-based companies. This service is also chat-free.

To subscribe to the OT/OTA listserv:

• Please complete the online listserv subscription request, OT/OTA Listserv Subscription.
• Once you have been added, you will receive a confirmation email.

Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy Advisory Council

The Exceptional Student Services consultant for OT/PT along with regional OT/PT representatives who comprise the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council, meet throughout the year to inform the Colorado Department of Education on statewide OT/PT professional learning and technical assistance needs and assist in the development of guidance materials to support the profession.

CDE Physical Therapy website

For more information, please contact:

Gina Herrera
Email Gina Herrera
Phone: (303) 253-0451