Occupational Therapy and Adapted Physical Education

 

 

 

Crystal Smith, Occupational Therapist
Contact: csmith@skusd.k12.ca.us

 

 



Kenneth Soriano, Adapted Physical Education Specialist
Contact: ksoriano@skusd.k12.ca.us

 

Occupational Therapists:  Use meaningful activities (occupations) to help children and youth participate in what they need and/or want to do in order to promote physical and mental health and well-being.  Occupational Therapy addresses the physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and sensory components of performance.  In schools, occupational therapy practitioners focus on academics, play and leisure, social participation, self-care skills, activities of daily living, and transition/work skills.  Occupational therapist's expertise includes activity and environmental analysis and modification with a goal of reducing the barriers to participation.  The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

Adapted Physical Education:  The Adapted Physical Education Teacher is an educationally trained professional who is able to assess individual students and develop, adapt, and implement specialized physical education programs in the motor domain.  The specialist provides direct services, participates in collaborative consultation, and designs physical education programs in the least restrictive environment geared towards individual goals.