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Jamestown Public Schools
Occupational Therapy Department
Jeanine Dearman
Tracy Grey
Stephanie Heimburg
Emily Hair
What is Occupational Therapy (OT)?
The goal of Occupational Therapy (OT) services in an academic setting is to encourage functional independence or participation within the school environment through purposeful and goal-directed activities. Federal law mandates that OT services in the school system be educationally relevant.
How are services delivered?
Frequency, duration, and location of services are determined by student needs and the academic team. Services can be provided in a variety of ways, such as:
- Direct service (individually or in a small group)
- Indirect service (consultation with education team members)
- Classroom Modifications
What areas do Occupational Therapists address in the schools?
- Fine Motor skills (pencil and scissor grasp, hand strength, and endurance)
- Visual-Motor Skills (written communication, hand/eye control)
- Visual Perceptual skills (puzzles, planning actions related to objects in the environment and reversals)
- Sensory Motor skills (decreased coordination, unable to tell where their limbs are in space, and decreased participation)
- Self Care skills (manipulating fasteners, opening containers, and managing coats and backpacks)