---
date: "2025-01-19"
speaker: "Becky Meyers"
organization: "Occupational Therapist, Ascension Catholic School"
topic: "OT in a School Setting"
blurb: "Becky Meyers is an Occupational Therapist for Ascension Catholic School. She discussed why OT in a school setting is crucial, how it differs from clinical OT, and what we can do at home."
---

# Becky Meyers - OT in a School Setting

**Date:** 2025-01-19  
**Organization:** Occupational Therapist, Ascension Catholic School

> Becky Meyers is an Occupational Therapist for Ascension Catholic School. She discussed why OT in a school setting is crucial, how it differs from clinical OT, and what we can do at home.

## Notes from January 19th - Becky Meyers - OT in Education

- Becky is the OT on staff at Ascension Catholic School
- She has worked in schools across the country in public schools with children from 3 to 21yo

### Medical OT vs School OT:
| Medical | School |
|---------|--------|
| Requires doctor's referral, diagnosis, insurance approval | In public school an IEP is required; at ACS Becky can consult with teachers for shorter-term needs |
| Insurance requires individualized treatment plans | Specifically targets classroom needs |
| Covers skills across all daily living domains | Designed to build new function and help access education |
| Typically for rehab or reinstating function | |

### Skills Targeted by School OT:
(Definitions from [The OT Tool Box](https://www.theottoolbox.com/))
- [Fine motor](https://www.theottoolbox.com/fine-motor-skills/) - Precision, finger dexterity, coordination
- [Visual motor](https://www.theottoolbox.com/visual-motor-skills/) - Integration of visual information with actions
- [Visual perceptual skills](https://www.theottoolbox.com/visual-perceptual-skills/) - Making sense of what we see
- [General Motor Coordination](https://www.theottoolbox.com/zones-of-regulation-activities-2/) - Hop, skip, jump, push and pull
- [Self Regulation](https://www.theottoolbox.com/zones-of-regulation-activities-2/) - Manage emotions, behavior and attention
- [Self Care](https://www.theottoolbox.com/self-care-for-kids-with-special-needs/) - Dressing, toileting, etc.
- [Executive Function](https://www.theottoolbox.com/executive-functioning-skills/) - Attention, problem solving, flexible thinking, working memory

### What Happens in the School:
1. Teacher or special ed coordinator identifies need
2. OT assesses both the child and the environment
3. OT writes individualized plan with 3 strategies: build motor skills, adapt materials, adapt environment

### Practical Tools & Resources:
- [Zubits Magnetic Laces](https://zubits.com/) for tying shoes
- [Bringing Therapy Home](https://www.bringingtherapyhome.com/)
- [Ability KC](https://abilitykc.org/)
- [Dr. Debs](https://drdebscenter.com/)
- [Zones of Regulation](https://zonesofregulation.com/)
- [Every Moment Counts](https://everymomentcounts.org/)


## Attachments

- `Home Activity Suggestions for Building Fine Motor Skills.docx` *(download from original Gmail email)*
- `FM Activities for Preschool Age.docx` *(download from original Gmail email)*
- `ADAC_ArchKCK_Parent Training Flyer_English (1).pdf` *(download from original Gmail email)*