Revitalizing the OT role in school-based practice: Promoting success for all students

With the advancement of healthcare initiatives and legislative mandates, occupational therapists are facing the demand of providing health promotion and prevention services to a variety of populations - including students in public schools. In addition to these mandates, pioneers in the field of occupational therapy forecasted the importance of comprehensive health services for all individuals. Therapists in school-based practice have traditionally focused on a 1: 1 service delivery model with a more impairment-based focus. However, school-based occupational therapists should expand their role to promote mental health of school-aged children and assist administrators in implementing response to intervention programs. These services are needed to ensure successful educational outcomes for special education students, as well as students in the general education population. To improve general health and well-being of all students, occupational therapists must move beyond a direct service model approach and explore alternate service delivery models. Occupational therapists are equipped with legislative support and encouragement from the profession to revitalize the role of school-based occupational therapy.