How can students learn best? That’s a big question in any classroom and can be an extra challenge
for students dealing with a physical, mental or emotional disability. To help, schools and parents rely
on a range of educational and health-care professionals.
Among them are occupational therapists (OTs). Occupational therapists help people of all ages, including children,
improve the functions that allow them to do what’s most important to them. For a child, those
activities might be participating in gym class or printing or writing a story.
As licensed health-care professionals, occupational therapists can do evaluations of a child’s physical, sensory, cognitive,
emotional and behavioural skills. With that information, they can then determine what the child
might need to adapt and thrive.
An occupational therapist’s support can include helping children with specific skills like handwriting or computer use,
overall skills like improving focus or coordination, or behavioural strategies in the classroom. All can
make it easier for students to learn in school.
For anyone working with an occupational therapist, the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario is a great
resource. It sets the standards for occupational therapists and holds them accountable. That puts the interests of the
children and all clients they serve first.
The College also has information about what to expect when working with an occupational therapist, from an initial
assessment, to treatment and services around developing, recovering or enhancing certain skills. If
you have concerns or complaints, the College is also there to help.
Find more information or a licensed occupational therapist at coto.org.