Tag: "occupational therapy"

A child using a therapy swing in a physical therapy room.

Therapy Swings – How They Help Students at School

In sensory therapy, some approaches work better than others. One proven therapeutic treatment is the use of therapy swings. There are many versions of swings available today, each with specific functions and purposes. Occupational therapists incorporate them into sensory integration therapy with various goals depending on the student’s needs. More and more schools use these valuable tools today than ever before, and students across the spectrum of learning challenges can benefit significantly from them. Whether students need to calm down, recover from overstimulation, or develop their sensory processing capabilities, a swing may offer the solution.

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A map of the top 10 cities for occupational therapists.

Where Are Occupational Therapists Need The Most?

The benefits of occupational therapy continue to be recognized across the USA, especially in schools. Occupational therapists are important in allowing people to make the best use of their bodies, overcome challenges, and recover from injury. In schools, OTs help children with daily-life activities that allow them to thrive socially and academically. The profession is also expected to grow by 18% between 2018 and 2028, much faster than average. And as the demand increases, so will their average salary of an occupational therapist, which is currently $84,950 a year. We’ve been looking at all the factors that make a city a good place to live for someone looking for an occupational therapist job and have put together a list of the best locations.

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A teacher helping her student solve a written problem.

Integrating Occupational Therapy in Schools

The main goal of an occupational therapist is to treat injured, disabled, or ill patients that have difficulties performing everyday activities. Through the use of therapeutic activities, OTs can help these patients improve and recover the skills they need to continue through daily life with ease. It is often thought that occupational therapists are only in hospitals or healthcare facilities, but occupational therapy in schools is just as important. Step into any early elementary classroom, and you will likely see children who would benefit from pediatric occupational therapy.

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A mother and daughter practicing fine motor skills with small colorful blocks.

Exercises Occupational Therapy Students Can Do at Home

Time with students during occupational therapy sessions is precious. Depending on the student, you may only see them once a week. This may be within an individual or group setting. Sometimes occupational therapy is pushed into the classroom to help with fine motor skills during classroom time. This means that it is important to build a strong relationship with families at home. There are ways to share occupational therapy activities and hand exercises which will strengthen fine motor movement.

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A frustrated young boy with a teacher attempting to console them.

The Trouble with Higher Special Education Costs

It’s no secret that most school districts across the United States are seeing an increase in the number of students who qualify for special education services. When the numbers increase, this means that additional money will be needed. Schools will tell you that part of the problem in keeping up with the cost of special education is the gap in payments from the state level. The formulas used to figure out the money given just doesn’t keep up with unfunded mandates.

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