Occupational Therapists Focus on Daily Living Skills

The High Desert Education Service District's Occupational Therapists (OT) focus on daily living skills to maximize a child's independence both at home (ages birth to 3) and in the educational setting (ages 3 to 21). OT's collaborate with students, families, teachers and school staff to meet each child's individual needs. OT services include a wide-range of support including assessment and evaluation of fine motor, sensory and self care such as feeding, dressing, hygiene and grooming.

One such assessment involves handwriting. Pictured here is Steve Maddox, HDESD OT, assessing the student's seating position, pencil grasp and letter formation. Recommendations might involve adjusting the table height, providing a foot stool or slant board to help make sure the student is in a stable upright position for handwriting. For students who are struggling with letter formation, the OT may recommend having the student use a structured handwriting program. These and other techniques are general recommendations that an OT may make to a teacher to assist students in their classroom.