OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY/PHYSICAL THERAPY
Contact Information
Stephanie Garvey, COTA/L
Nicole Giliforte, OTR/L
Courtney Ott, COTA/L
David Sterns, PT
716-876-7505, ext.1310
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy (OT) is a treatment that focuses on helping people achieve independence in all areas of their lives. Some people may think that occupational therapy is only for adults; children after all do not have occupations. But a child's main job is playing and learning, and an occupational therapist can evaluate a child's skills for play activities, school performance, and activities of daily living and compare them to what is developmentally appropriate for an age group.
What is the goal of Occupational Therapy?
A school-based occupational therapist helps children with disabilities to fulfill their roles and responsibilities of being a student. They are dedicated to helping students regardless of their disability to become academically and socially successful in their school environment. This is done through therapeutic techniques, environmental modifications and the utilization of assistive technology.
When might a student be referred to Occupational Therapy?
- If the student consistently demonstrates difficulty with cutting, writing, manipulating clothing fasteners, small objects and toys.
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If the student has difficulty with gross motor functioning, sitting upright in their desk, playing on the playground, difficulty moving specific joints during an activity.
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If the student needs adaptations to their environment in order to make a task easier.
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If the student has a difficult time feeding himself in the cafeteria, manipulating their clothing during school activities or while toileting.
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If the student does not demonstrate hand dominance and it is affecting their work (speed, neatness, etc.).
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If the student has difficulty with perceptual skills that hinder academic performance ( i.e. copying from the blackboard, can't recall what objects look like, large amount of reversals in written work, difficulty copying designs, etc.).
If you have any questions/comments please contact the OT/PT Department at the number above.