Occupational Therapy (OT)

What is an Occupational Therapist (OT)?

An occupational therapist is a trained health professional who 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 work collaboratively with the student's IEP team and 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 the 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

Please join us for monthly professional development opportunities offered by the Colorado Department of Education Exceptional Student Services Unit for School-Based Occupational and Physical Therapists.

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