Occupational Therapy Services

Mission Statement

In alignment with North Carolina’s State Board of Education Mission, school-based occupational therapists provide a wide variety of services that help students succeed academically, functionally, socially and emotionally.  School-based occupational therapists collaborate with educators, parents/guardians, and other school professionals, to create safe, healthy and supportive learning environments for all students, and to strengthen connections between home and school. Occupational therapists serve as an integral part of the educational team who contribute their skilled set of lenses to identify and address specific ‘performance components’ of everyday life activities (occupations) that may be limiting a student’s ability to access the curriculum, school routines, play and social participation.

Scope of Occupational Therapy Services

Occupational therapy services may include but are not limited to:

  • Evaluation to identify student needs

  • Consultation/collaboration with other team members

  • Use of assistive and adaptive devices

  • Use of classroom equipment

  • Develop specific skills required for participation in school related activities, such as self-care, writing, self-regulation, independent work skills, social participation etc.

  • Modifications/Adaptations of environment and/or materials

Eligibility

  • OT is a related service in the education environment

  • A student must be eligible for special education in order to receive OT services

  • Once a student is eligible for special services, the team must determine that the child requires occupational therapy services in order to make progress towards his IEP goals based on an OT evaluation and additional data.

For more information, please contact Buncombe County Schools Special Services office at 828.255.5972.

Resources