Occupational Therapy in the Regular School System

Abstract

This paper describes the gradual introduction of occupational therapists into the regular school system in Ontario. The main section proposes a variety of possible opportunities for therapists in the school system and mentions various roles for therapists there. Two of these roles are described: one is the use of Sensory Integrative Programs and the other is the use of Life Skills Programs. Both are employed as preventative measures in this context. The later section of the paper discusses some results of a survey conducted mainly in Southern Ontario. The conclusion of the paper provides recommendations for action by therapists involved with “normal” schools and includes examples such as the concepts of joint-funding and combined research projects.