Your Therapy Source Magazine for Pediatric Therapists October 2016 | Page 7

TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF SCHOOL BASED OTS

The Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools and Early Intervention published research
examining the results of a online survey completed by 47 teachers and how they perceive the role
of the occupational therapist. The results revealed the following:
1. most of the teachers viewed occupational therapists as valuable team members.
2. the teachers reported limitations to the system that challenge collaboration.
3. the teachers want increased communication and collaboration with the occupational
therapist.
4. school based occupational therapy was perceived as a valuable contribution to the
educational team that was underutilized.
Need ideas and suggestions to increase communication and collaboration? Here are some
previous blog posts:
5 Steps to Increase Communication this School Year
5 Steps to Successful Collaboration
Tips for Scheduling Team Meetings
Just replace the word ‘parents’ with the word ‘teachers’ and get some tips for positive
communication.
5 Ways to Empower Children, Parents and Teachers
Reference: Jeryl D. Benson , EdD, OTR/L, Kimberly A. Szucs , PhD, OTR/L & J. J. Mejasic ,
MS, OTR/L. Teachers’ perceptions of the role of occupational therapist in schools. Journal of
Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention. Volume 9, 2016 – Issue
3 http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2016.1183158

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