The OT Schoolhouse Podcast for School-Based OT Practitioners

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Back To School Conference 2023 Recap & Reflection Sep 05, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to the Back to School Conference Recap!

Our journey at the conference led us to explore crucial subjects, such as reframing behavior, addressing mental health concerns, navigating post-school outcomes, discovering evidence-based resources, implementing effective tiered intervention programs, and expanding your toolkit for fine motor skills.

Join us as we delve into these topics and gain valuable insights to our knowledge in School-Based OT

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learners will identify the significance of building rapport and safety
Learners will recognize the importance of asking tough questions about a student's plan after graduation and the potential consequences of not considering long-term goals for students from an early age

Learners will recognize the significance of evidence-based practice in occupational therapy in the school setting

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!

The Correlation Between Speech and Sensory Challenges Aug 20, 2023

Show notes

Curious to explore the world of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?

Join us on this episode where Kate Nealon, PhD, CCC-SLP, BC-CLS and Zahava L. Friedman, PhD, OT, BCBA delve into the fascinating interplay and coexistence of CAS and SPD. Gain insights into the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration between OTPs and SLPs in supporting children.

Tune in now to broaden your understanding of CAS and SPD!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learners will identify the key components of the sensory processing cycle and how breakdowns at different stages can contribute to Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
Learners will identify the challenges in diagnosing children with mild to moderate Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and Specific Language Impairment (SLD)
The importance of early intervention and seeking support from a collaborative team of professionals when working with children with speech and sensory impairments.

Celebrating Excellence: School-Based OT Awards and Inspiring Stories from the Field Aug 07, 2023

Show notes

Celebrate the 2023 school-based OT practitioners of the year!
Join us in this episode, where we recognize the contributions of three exceptional individuals who have gone above and beyond to support students, teachers, staff, and the profession. These three OTPs are receiving awards from the OT Schoolhouse for impacting the 2020 to 2023 school years as OTPs.

Tune in to hear their inspiring stories, and click here to learn more about them.

Why I Love (and Prefer) School-based OT Jul 24, 2023

Show notes

Why do you love school-based OT?

In this episode, Jayson Davies, MA, OTR/L, explores the world of school-based occupational therapy by highlighting the many advantages of being a school-based OTP. Jayson shares his experiences and insights, highlighting the power of collaboration, the importance of a student’s natural context, and advocating not only for the students but also for ourselves as OTPs.

Tune in to learn more about the ways occupational therapy transforms the lives of students.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learners will identify the difference between school-based OT and clinic-based OT
Learners will identify how to collaborate on a systems or classroom level
Learners will recognize how modifications, accommodations, and assistive technology are used in a school setting
Learners will recognize ways to advocate for students and themselves as OTPs

Creating Functional Spaces for Students Jul 10, 2023

Show notes

Ready to transform your classroom into an engaging and supportive learning environment?

Join us on this episode, where we explore the topic of setting up the classroom for success with Kelly Wilk-Downs.

Discover important tips and strategies to optimize the learning environment, from creating individual workspaces to mastering sound and lighting. Kelly also introduces the TEACCH method, a tool that benefits not only children with autism and ADHD but all students.

As occupational therapy practitioners, we can collaborate with teachers and administrators to implement these changes and facilitate student learning.

Tune in to hear more about how design affects the classroom environment!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learners will identify strategies for creating individual workspaces that meet the needs of different students.
Learners will identify the benefits of using visual supports, work systems, & sensory strategies within a classroom
Learners will identify and understand the importance of classroom design in promoting structure and student success.

Are you a member of the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative?
Members of the OTS Collaborative can earn a certificate of completion for listening to this course and taking a quiz. Click here to learn more.
View the full show notes here.

Changing the Culture: Effective Approaches to Inclusion Jun 26, 2023

Show notes

On this episode of OT Schoolhouse Podcast, host Jayson Davies, MA, OTR/L, welcomes guest Jenna Rufo, Ed.D., to discuss post-pandemic special education.
Jenna shares her philosophy on education and inclusion, offering strategies on how to get administrators on board with an inclusive approach. As an educator with over 20 years of experience, Rufo also emphasizes the importance of parent interaction and the role of OTs in providing support to students in areas such as executive functioning and fine motor skills.
Rufo also highlights positive outcomes of virtual learning during the pandemic, including increased collaboration among teachers and parents and a greater understanding of individual student needs. Tune in to this informative episode for practical tips on creating more inclusive schools and supporting all students.

Click here to view the full show notes.

Applying the Kawa Model to School-Based OT Jun 12, 2023

Show notes

Have you heard of the Kawa model?

On this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, We'll discuss the advantages of understanding this model for occupational therapy practitioners. Dr. Iwama talks about the interrelatedness of the different factors contributing to a person's well-being and performance through the metaphor of a river.

We'll learn about how cultural differences impact the concept of occupation, and how the Kawa model emerged. Additionally, we discuss how occupational therapy practitioners can identify where the clients' water flows and work with their strengths to overcome obstacles.

Tune in to learn more!

View the full show notes here.

Exploring Dyslexia: Understanding and Supporting Students May 30, 2023

Show notes

How much do you really know about dyslexia?

Join us as we explore this often-misunderstood learning disorder. Jayson and Penny dive into the importance of evaluation, therapy, and the crucial support needed for teachers and students facing dyslexia. Tune in to learn more!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learners will identify the ties between dyslexia and mental health
Learners will identify what dyslexia is and the common misconceptions.
Learners will identify effective teaching strategies for supporting students with dyslexia in the classroom.

Earn Continuing Education
Members of the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative can earn 1 hour of professional development by listening to this episode and taking the quiz inside the community.
OTS Collab members, click here to log in and take your quiz
Not a member? Sign up here to start earning CEUs.
Timestamps
[00:07:16] Understanding Dysgraphia and Dyslexia with Penny Stack.
[00:10:32] Podcast Creator Chooses Talking Over Writing
[00:13:31] Dyslexia: More than Just Poor Grades
[00:16:47] Experts discuss diagnosing dyslexia: professionals and tests
[00:23:35] Choosing Assessments for Visual Processing Skills
[00:36:06] Dyslexia hint
[00:38:37] Children's Perspectives Often Overlooked in Education
[00:43:59] Teachers crave OTP support; students may mask dyslexia
[00:52:02] The Hidden Impacts of Dyslexia Beyond Reading
[00:57:29] Creating a Supportive Community for Dyslexia
[00:58:26] Wrap-Up of OT Schoolhouse Episode 125
View the full show notes at otschoolhouse.com/episode125

School-Based Benefits of Aquatic Therapy May 15, 2023

Show notes

In this podcast episode, Maggie Aschenbrener discusses how she applies her passions for water, children, and occupational therapy by utilizing aquatic therapy in a school-based setting. In addition, she shares valuable insights on the benefits of aquatic therapy, the types of individuals who can benefit from it, and how occupational therapy practitioners can incorporate it into their practice.

This podcast episode is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning about aquatic therapy or incorporating it into their occupational therapy practice. It provides both inspiration and practical guidance on how to make the most of this modality.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Identify key benefits of aquatic therapy for individuals with a variety of conditions.
Identify specific populations that could benefit from aquatic therapy.
Identify potential opportunities to incorporate aquatic therapy into school-based occupational therapy services.

Click here to view the full show notes

Incorporating Movement and Sensory in the Classroom May 01, 2023

Show notes

Ready to talk All Things Sensory?

In this episode of the OT Schoolhouse podcast, Jayson interviews Rachel Harrington, COTA/L AC, and Jessica Hill, COTA/L, about incorporating movement and sensory activities in the classroom and at home.

We discuss sensory diets, fidgets, primitive reflexes, and other strategies for supporting children with sensory needs. Jessica and Rachel also share practical tips for teachers, parents, and caregivers on how to create a sensory-friendly environment and promote self-regulation.

Just hit play!
Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learn how sensory diets can help children regulate their sensory input throughout the day.
Learn how fidgets can be a helpful tool for children who need to move or have tactile stimulation.
Identify how primitive reflexes can impact a child's development and should be addressed through movement activities.
Learn how you can help teachers to incorporate movement breaks into their lessons to help students stay focused.

Resources:

Click here to view the full show notes

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