Schools
Manchester OT provide occupational therapy services to schools and children.
- Access Audits in relation to Disability Discrimination Act 1995
- Assessments of Individual Students
- Assessment of a Child's Handwriting and organisation of work
- Assessment of Deficits in Sensory Integration
- Assessment and Development of Hand Skills
- Activities of Daily Living
- Equipment and Adaptations for Independent Living
- Paediatric Rehabilitation
Access Audits in relation to Disability Discrimination Act 1995
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 is a piece of legislation that aims to promote the equality of opportunities for disabled people. It means that public buildings, including schools have to ensure that disabled people have equal access to their premises.
We can provide access audits to help you adhere to this. This is an assessment of your premises which gives you a detailed report of how accessible your premises are for disabled people, including suggestions and recommendations for any action needed.
Assessments of Individual Students
We provide paediatric assessments and reports for children with developmental co-ordination disorders including dyspraxia, austistic spectrum disorders, sensory integration, ADHD and other health conditions. We also provide assessments of individual students that may be having difficulties resulting from an illness or injury. This can include a seating assessment, assessment of the workstation, provision of specialist equipment to aid independence etc.
Assessment of a Child's Handwriting and Organisation of Work
Occupational Therapists can evaluate a child's handwriting if they are experiencing difficulties with this. This is usually done by evaluating written work samples, discussing the child's performance with their teacher and parents, reviewing the child's educational records as well as observing them directly and considering any other aspects that could be affecting the child's handwriting. Following this interventions and treatment plans will be devised and then carried out.
Assessment of Deficits in Sensory Integration
If a child is experiencing a deficit with an aspect of their sensory integration i.e. it is not functioning efficiently, they may experience difficulties with simple tasks e.g. maintaining sitting balance when sitting in a chair, getting dressed or playing simple games. If they have difficulties with these activities they are likely to be aware of these difficulties and become frustrated when they see other children being able to perform these tasks easily. Occupational therapists can use standardised tests to evaluate sensory integration and appropriate interventions and treatment plans can be carried out. Treatment aims to improve the quality of the life of the child and improve their sensory integration functions. They will also improve their gross and fine motor skills, increase their self-confidence and self-esteem and this often has a knock on effect on cognition, language and academic performance.
Assessment and Development of Hand Skills
The Occupational therapists at Manchester OT assess any difficulties that children are experiencing with hand skills. These difficulties can affect many aspects of the child's life e.g. play, their everyday activities of daily living, as well as participation in school and educational activities. These difficulties can be assessed using various screening tools which will lead onto personalised interventions and treatment plans appropriate to the child. Splints can also be used as part of the treatment, if needed.
Activities of Daily Living
The Occupational therapists at Manchester OT assess children who are experiencing difficulties with everyday activities of daily living, for example bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting etc. Treatment plans can be devised to help children become more independent in these activities as appropriate to their age.
Equipment and Adaptations for Independent Living
The Occupational therapists at Manchester OT assess children in their own home and prescribe and fit any pieces of equipment which will help them to perform everyday activities of daily living and improve their quality of life. Assessment and advice can also be given regarding any home adaptations that may be needed.
Paediatric Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation can be provided for children who have either spent long periods in hospital or are having difficulty due to a disability or injury. Conditions could include spina bifida, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis, brain injury, spinal injury etc. Treatment plans are devised to increase the child's independence and improve their quality of life.
Please contact us or call 0161 883 0088 to see how we can help.