The OT Schoolhouse Podcast for School-Based OT Practitioners

In this episode, Jayson chats with Hopemarie Hower, OTR/L, the winner of the OT School House School's Out Giveaway conducted in June of 2018. Together, Jayson and Hopemarie discuss the similarities and differences between practicing OT in California and Florida. Hopemarie also shares how she collaborates with her school team to conduct assistive technology assessments and how she garners buy-in from her teachers when implementing sensory strategies.

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Links to Show References:

Contact Hopemarie Hower, OTR/L at [email protected]

Products mentioned on the show (Amazon/iTunes Affiliate Links that support the OT School House):

Jelly Bean Buttons - Briefly mentioned in the episode, Jelly Bean buttons are used to help non-verbal kids communicate. You can record something like "Hello!" using your voice, then every time the student activates the button you will hear "Hello!" Simple as that.

Proloquo2Go - Also briefly mentioned during the episode, this is an iPad app that allows non-verbal students a more advanced system for communication. Think of the old bulky communication devices, but on a sleek iPad or iPad mini. It's a great app, but it's not cheap.

Velcro Dots - while designed to use together to make something like a poster easily stick to a wall. Us school-based OTs can use them in many ways. One way both Hopemari and I use them is as a sensory tool that kids can rub their fingers on. Just stick them to the underside of the desk and no one will never even know the student is regulating themselves by rubbing his or her fingers on some velcro.

Theraband - Often used to develop strengthening in sub-acute rehab settings, Theraband also can help kids stay in their seats while getting the movement they need. Take a 2-foot stand of this stuff, tie the ends together and wrap it around the child's chair legs. Now the child can keep their feet busy while attending to classroom activities.

Exer-saucer (aka ExerExer-bug, aka Flying Turtle) Scooter:

It's funny how so many of the tools we use have so many different names. Hopemarie introduced me to this little tricycle which is powered by trunk movements. I can only imagine how many obstacles cour

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 constantly wondering how to be more evidence-based when working in a school setting?

In this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, we discuss how using client-centered top-down approaches will allow for more evidence-based practices and what top-down approaches look like with children in the schools. We are speaking with the creator of the CO-OP approach, Helene Polatajko, Ph.D., OT Reg. (Ont.), OT(C), FCAOT, FCAHS, OC, and the creator of “A Guide for Implementation: Using the Principles of CO-OP to Frame a Top-Down Approach with School-Aged Children,” Lara Collins Barros, OTD, OTR/L.

What you’ll Learn

• Listeners will learn the principles and guidelines of the CO-OP approach
• Listeners will learn how the CO-OP was developed
• Listeners will learn the difference between the behavioral approach and the cognitive approach
• Listeners will learn more about top-down approaches
• Listeners will learn about guided discovery and what a supportive adult is

Resources

CO-OP approach website

TEDx - The Problem with Cookie-Cutter Therapy

University of Toronto course

(CO-OP) Principles for Participation A Guide for Implementation: Using the Principles of CO-OP to Frame a Top-Down Approach with School-Aged Children

Developmental Coordination Disorder - CanChild.ca

View and listen to all episodes of the OT Schoolhouse website at otschoolhouse.com/podcast

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!

Join us as Jayson dives into a discussion with pediatric occupational therapist and author Kathryn Mahoney. With five books under her belt and a sixth in the works, Kathryn shares her journey of creating social stories for children that not only captivate them but also offer practical knowledge for adults.

In this episode, learn methods for customizing social stories, understanding their impact on teachers, parents, and practitioners, and discover how these stories can make OT concepts more accessible, empowering parents to implement therapy techniques at home.
Listen now to gain valuable insights and enhance your therapeutic toolkit!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will identify methods and tools for creating social stories and how to easily customize them.
• Learners will understand the impact of OT strategies in social stories for teachers, parents, and other practitioners.
• Learners will understand how these social stories can make OT concepts more accessible and empower parents to advocate for and implement therapy techniques at home.

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, Jayson shares what it was like transitioning from one district to another and the lessons that were learned as a result of doing so. Join in to hear about:

• Some pros and cons of both contract and district jobs
• Distinct differences between working in districts big and small
• The importance of advocating for yourself
• The role of occupational therapy in assistive technology
• Why Jayson feels there is a constant change in school employees
• What to consider before taking on a new job

Don't forget to share what you learned as you completed this past school year with me at [email protected] or on social media @otschoolhouse

I hope you enjoy this episode! Be sure to check out the resources below. Some of these are affiliate links which allow me to earn a small commission at no additional cost to you!

• Edjoin.org
  • A place to find School-based OT Jobs in California and some other regions​
• iPhone & iPad Apps (Some of these apps can also be found using the Goole App Store)​​
  • SnapType​ (free)
    • SnapType Pro (necessary for full access)​
  • Speechify
  • Homework App
  • Breathe
  • Breathe for Kids

View the full show notes for this episode at OTSchoolhouse.com/episode33

View more episode at OTSchoolHouse.com/podcast

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, Jayson interviews Jason Gonzales of DoubleTimeDocs.com (Affiliate link for your convenience) about some of the Laws, regulations and state guidelines that help OTs understand what should be in (or omitted from) our reports. Also discussed is when you should use standardized assessments, how to choose what assessment to use, and how to decrease the amount of time it takes to complete an OT evaluation report.

Get your free 7-day trial to DTD and use promo code FALL18 for 20% off your order for a limited time. (Now Available for PTs as well)

References:

Want to see the unedited webinar including all of the weird hand gestures we make? Watch the full webinar complete with live feedback and Q&A, HERE!

The NY Times Article:

Sharp Rise in Occupational Therapy Cases at New York’s Schools by Elizabeth A Harris who covers Education at The New York Times. This 2015 article documents the dramatic increase of students receiving occupational services in New York and Chicago.

Find your State Guidelines:

We have compiled all of the OT and OT/PT State Guidelines on one easy clickable map for you! Check it out here to find your state's guidelines.

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!