# The Occupational Therapist's Handbook for Inclusive School Practices

## Authors
[Julie Causton, Ph.D.](https://products.brookespublishing.com/cw_Contributorinfo.aspx?ContribID=11724&Name=Julie+Causton,Ph.D.), [Chelsea P. Tracy-Bronson, Ph.D.](https://products.brookespublishing.com/cw_Contributorinfo.aspx?ContribID=15741&Name=Chelsea+Tracy-Bronson,Ph.D.)

## Overview
A great occupational therapist is a key success factor in your inclusive school—OT's are on the front lines every day, making critical decisions that help students access the curriculum and fully participate. This is the friendly, down-to-earth survival guide OT's need to deliver their important services effectively as part of an inclusive school team. Packed with practical guidance and tips, examples that relate directly to an OT's daily practice, and first-person insights from seasoned OT's, this guidebook is key to helping students develop new skills in key areas, from motor skills and mobility to academic achievement and friendships.

## Contents
- **STRATEGIES THAT HELP OTs:**
   - Collaborate with other members of the school team
   - Choose and use environmental, behavioral, social, and academic supports that help students succeed
   - Stay focused on strengths and abilities rather than disability
   - Use an RTI framework to deliver appropriate levels of support
   - Match supports to students' specific strengths
   - Avoid "the Velcro effect" and support student independence
   - Facilitate peer supports and friendships
   - Resolve challenging behavior in gentle, positive ways
   - Keep expectations high for all students
  
- **PRACTICAL MATERIALS:** Tools and checklists to help organize team meeting notes, choose student supports, define team roles and responsibilities, support participation of nonverbal students, presume competence, and more.

## Further Resources
- [Watch a recording of Dr. Causton's webinar - The Role of the Paraprofessional in the Inclusive Class](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn8fcbJ1Y6U&feature=youtu.be)
- [Read her blog at inclusiveschooling.com!](https://www.inclusiveschooling.com/blog-new/)
- **Explore more training opportunities!** Expand your mindset, heartset, and skillset around inclusion with unique training opportunities from Dr. Julie Causton and Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak. Visit the [Inclusive Schooling website](http://www.inclusiveschooling.com/) to explore their complete catalog of engaging, on-demand training courses—and learn about custom training options, too!

## Reviews
Christie Kiley, MA, OTR/L, MamaOT.com 
- *"The Occupational Therapist's Handbook for Inclusive School Practices has transformed the way I think about my school-based practice..."*

Joleen Thomas 
- *"What I loved about this book is that it reinforced what I had always thought about inclusion..."*

Anne Zachry, Assistant Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center 
- *"This is a comprehensive and informative resource for all occupational therapists who work in the school system..."*

Lisa Crabtree, Graduate Faculty, Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy & Occupational Science, Towson University 
- *"Provide[s] detailed strategies that foster inclusive practices and collaborative relationships..."*

Dr. Richard Villa 
- *"Examines the context and rationale for providing related services in an inclusive school..."*

Dr. Jacqueline Thousand 
- *"This highly readable book gives occupational therapists the tools to be powerful team members..."*

## Additional Information  
STOCK NUMBER: 73619  
ISBN: 978-1-59857-361-9  
COPYRIGHT: 2014  
PAGES: 184  
AVAILABILITY: Available Stock

This product has additional material available on the Brookes Download Hub.
- Planning tools
- Checklists

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