Imagine a school environment where every student, regardless of their abilities, can actively participate in physical education. How can we turn this into reality?

In today's episode, we are joined by Faith Newton, an occupational therapist based in England, who is passionate about inclusive physical education (PE) for students with special educational needs and disabilities.

In this episode, Faith will discuss the school-based occupational therapy system in the UK and how it compares to models in the US. She will also explore universal design principles and strategies for making PE more inclusive for all students. Tune in to learn more!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will Identify the key components of an inclusive PE program for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
  
  
• Learners will understand the role of occupational therapy in supporting neurodivergent students in physical education settings.
  
  
• Learners will understand how to conduct an activity analysis for common PE games like dodgeball to identify sensory, physical, cognitive, and emotional demands.

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

Don't miss out on this insightful episode to help you in your daily school-based practice!

Click here to check out the OT Schoolhouse Goal Bank

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will identify the purpose and benefits of creating and using a goal bank for school-based OT

• Learners will understand the process of templatizing goals and customizing criteria and accommodations

• Learners will be able to apply strategies for organizing and categorizing goals to create their own goal templates.

View the full show notes & transcript

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

Dive into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast's latest episode, where Jayson welcomes Amy Crosby, whose innovative application of the Kawa Model in education is cultivating an oasis of calm for educators amidst the tempest of school day chaos.

Join us as Amy reveals how a simple yet profound shift in supporting teachers can ripple into improved classroom dynamics and personal well-being, backed by her engaging workshop results.

Don't miss out on this insightful journey through the lens of the Kawa Model to cultivate professional and personal fulfillment for you and the teachers you serve.

Tune in, and let's navigate the turbulent waters of education together!

Learning Objectives: 

• Identify and describe the core concepts of using the Kawa model to support teachers as introduced by Amy Crosby in school-based occupational therapy.
  
  
• Recognize the environmental and personal stress factors in educational settings that were highlighted during the workshop.
  
  
• Recall the strategies for stress reduction taught in the workshop, including deep breathing and thought reframing.

Click here to view the full show notes

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

Are you curious to understand how OTPs can use AI?

Tune in as Jayson Davies, MA, OTR/L, dives into the future of AI and occupational therapy. 

Discover how AI tools like Chat GPT can change your approach to evaluations, IEP planning, and beyond while ensuring ethical practice and preserving confidentiality. 

Whether it's creating personalized goals, drafting treatment plans, or enhancing service delivery, Jayson discusses the potential of AI to level the playing field and optimize OT services. 

Whether you're a tech-savvy OTP or an AI novice, this episode will educate, and inspire you to harness the power of AI in your daily practice.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will identify ways in which school-based practitioners can use AI to support themselves and their students.
  
  
• Learners will understand the role of AI and tools to assist in the development of treatment plans, documentation, and monitoring of student progress.
  
  
• Learners will identify the importance of ethical considerations and maintaining confidentiality when integrating AI into school-based practice.

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

In this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, Kelsey Kornaus delves into the world of visual impairments in students.

From the importance of self-advocacy to the impact of sensory difficulties and the role of assistive technology, this episode discusses the challenges and innovative strategies for supporting students with visual impairments in educational settings.

Listen now to gain valuable insights into assessment techniques, the decision-making process for residential placement, and the benefit of community support.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will understand the role occupational therapy practitioners play in supporting students with visual impairments.
  
  
• Learners will identify challenges and considerations in working with students with visual impairments in educational settings, including the need for specific adaptations, support for sensory difficulties, and the integration of assistive technology and universal design for learning to facilitate academic success and independence.
  
  
• Learners will identify the importance of advocating for students with visual impairments in accessing necessary support and services.

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

How can the strategic use of color and contrast in writing programs not only capture children's attention but also foster a focused environment for handwriting tasks?

In this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, guest Helene Lieberman discusses her journey of developing a program, seeking feedback from colleagues, and making adjustments based on their input. The program features high-contrast laminated pages to reduce distractions, helping children with low vision and attention deficit disorder focus on writing tasks.

Join us as we explore the intersection of program development, collaborative feedback, and the pursuit of effective interventions!


Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will understand the process and challenges involved in developing a program for school-based occupational therapy.
  
  
• Learners will identify the potential impact of creating evidence-based programs and interventions in school-based occupational therapy, including the benefits of pairing with academics to conduct formal research projects to evaluate the efficacy of interventions.
  
  
• Learners will identify the challenges and strategies for managing and collecting program data for multiple students in a school-based setting, and learn about the importance of keeping careful records and monitoring progress during therapy sessions.

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

In this episode, special guest Lori Flynn is diving into multiple different aspects of understanding ADHD, creating personalized teaching plans, developing visual schedules, and fostering a supportive environment for every child. 

We also discuss the challenges and the practical strategies that can assist. You'll be equipped with some tools to create a positive and inclusive learning environment. Join us as we explore these valuable insights and work towards making a real difference in the lives of these students!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will understand the environmental Impact on ADHD Symptoms
• Learners will identify the pivotal role of individualized interventions in addressing the unique needs of students with ADHD.
• Learners will identify the overlap between sensory processing difficulties and ADHD, and distinguish between sensory interventions and breaks for children with ADHD.
• Learners will identify the need for collaborative support and individualized teaching plans for children with ADHD, and understand the importance of integrating visual aids, recognizing strengths, and providing clear accommodations for optimal support.

View the full show notes at OTSchoolhouse.com/episode140

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

Ever wondered about the transformative power of child-led methods in creating inclusive and empowered learning environments for students with special needs?

Dr. Amy Coopersmith is here to share with us how students receiving special education experience occupation deprivation and the important role of child-led decision-making and planning in occupational therapy. Through her own personal examples and strategies, she shows how these approaches can help foster independence and self-advocacy, ultimately unleashing these students' potential.

Tune in to hear more about many strategies, such as the use of choice boards, self-monitoring, and the "Captain Me" program.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will understand the significance of establishing a least restrictive environment for children with disabilities to enhance their autonomy and learning opportunities.
  
  
• Learners will identify the importance of educators and occupational therapists actively listening to children, aiding them in formulating personal goals, and distinguishing between internally driven and externally imposed objectives to foster independence and empowerment.
  
  
• Learners will explore practical strategies for engaging children in decision-making, planning, and goal-setting within occupational therapy sessions, aiming to cultivate self-determination and independence.

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

As a school-based Practitioner, have you ever thought about exploring alternatives to traditional pull-out sessions?

If you're looking to expand your scope of practice, increase work efficiency, and provide more individualized services in the least restrictive environment, tune into this episode.

Jayson dives into the benefits of working with students in their natural context, the different service models available, and how to implement them effectively. He discusses many areas from individual and group sessions, to collaboration and consultation with teachers and aides. Listen to learn more!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will identify ways to support students in the general education and least restrictive environment
  
  
• Learners will identify ways to build rapport with teachers
  
  
• Learners will understand the importance of natural context
  
  
• Learners will understand how to transition to different service models

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

Are you aware of the hidden traumas that adolescents face daily that can sometimes go unnoticed?

In this episode Dr. Park sheds light on the subtle negative experiences that may go unnoticed but have a long-term impact on these young lives. The discussion also takes us beyond traditional understandings of trauma to recognize the broader spectrum that encompasses a sense of not belonging and exclusion due to identity-based microaggressions.

Join us as we uncover the impact of trauma on adolescents, discuss the importance of inclusive education, and foster a greater understanding of how OTPs can support those dealing with trauma in meaningful ways.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will gain an understanding of the different types of trauma experienced by adolescents and how these experiences impact their daily lives.
• Learners will explore practical strategies to create trauma-informed classrooms and inclusive environments that promote healing, growth, and resilience.
• Learners will develop a toolkit of evidence-based interventions and approaches that can be used to address the effects of trauma in school-based settings.

Wish you could earn professional development for listening to this episode?

Members of the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative can earn a certificate of completion by listening to this episode and completing a short quiz after logging in. Learn more about this at otschoolhouse.com/collab 

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Log into your account here to complete the quiz. 

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!