Occupational Therapy's Role in Transitioning to College

Occupational therapists (OTs) specialize in their ability to help individuals do what they want or need to do. Any occupation that a person needs assistance completing is in the scope of an occupational therapist. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) may wish to pursue college and find employment. An OT can be a crucial discipline to help these individuals be successful and independent in college.

Education is within the scope of occupational therapy as it is considered an occupation (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020). Below are some occupational therapists' roles when working with young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are preparing for or participating in post-secondary education (Carroll et al., n.d.).

1. Self-determination skills

This may include choice-making, problem-solving, goal-setting, communicating,

and self-advocacy skills.

2. Self-esteem

   
   

This may include discussing disability disclosure, improving confidence in one’s abilities, noticing strengths, and obtaining healthy coping skills.

3. Social-emotional learning

   
   

This may include building positive relationships with others, participating in ethical behaviors, and handling challenging situations.

4. Participating in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process

   
   

OTs have a valuable role on the team involved in planning for the future alongside the student and their families.

5. Participation in what OTs call “instrumental activities of daily living” or IADLs

   
   

Examples of IADLs include creating a budget, finding and utilizing transportation, safety awareness, completing the steps of grocery shopping, and meal planning.

6. Social skills and mental health

   
   

OTs address how students interact with others and how their mental health impacts their ability to participate in activities they find meaningful within the college setting.

7. Providing support or discussing education communities with the student

   
   

Examples of educational communities that a student may need support to be able to participate in or coaching to identify what is of interest to them include leisure activities, clubs, sports, and volunteering.

8. Accommodations/Technology

   
   

Students may need assistance in obtaining accommodations to complete school work. OTs can use their knowledge of adaptive equipment and assistive technology to provide support in this area. OTs analyze activities a student may need to complete and determine what factors play a role in the student’s success.

9. Functional Mobility 

   
   

OTs can help the student process by guiding them in navigating campus safely and efficiently.

10. Time Management

    
    

OTs can help create plans for students to manage their time to get to class on time using different apps or systems that appeal to the students and their specific needs. OTs consider the student’s cognition, roles, responsibilities, and other personal factors that may contribute to time management. 

11. Executive functioning skills 

    
    

OTs consider supporting students in executive functioning skills essential for college success, such as organization, planning, initiation, working memory, making decisions, controlling inhibitions or impulses, and cognitive flexibility.

(Carroll et al., n.d.)

References

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (4th ed.). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74 (Supplement 2).

Carroll, T.C., Jerousek, P., Majeski, K.E. (n.d.) Transitioning to Postsecondary Education [Online Course]. American Occupational Therapy Association.