Who We Are
Occupational Therapists are specially trained professionals who have earned a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and are registered with the College of Occupational Therapy of BC.
What We Do
Occupational therapists aim to enable the student to actively engage in learning, participate in all aspects of school life and ultimately, achieve his/her potential. OTs do this by:
- Assessment, planning and goal development in relation to a student’s fine motor development, visual perceptual skills, sensory processing abilities and activities of daily living skills
- Evaluation of the environment and making recommendations to improve the fit for greater access and participation
- Recommendation of assistive technology and equipment
- Collaboration with teachers and other professionals
- Providing education and resources on motor abilities and development as well as sensory processing.
Services can vary depending on students’ needs:
- Evaluation and recommendations
- Ongoing consultation for students with significant motor/sensory needs
- Program planning in collaboration with the school-based team for students with significant motor/sensory needs
Referral Criteria and Prioritization
Priority 1:
- Seating – toileting, meal time, wheelchair
- Feeding – protocols, positioning, any equipment
- Fine motor/sensory processing assessment as part of a larger diagnostic query
- Access to school buildings
Priority 2:
- Sensory processing challenges affect a student’s ability to attend full school days
- Sensory processing challenges significantly impact a student’s behaviour
Priority 3:
- Fine motor/sensory processing challenges due to a pre-existing diagnosis
Priority 4:
- Written output
- Visual perceptual skills
- Ocular motor skills
- Fine motor development
- Sensory processing/self-regulation challenges
SD8 Occupational Therapy brochure
