OT PT AT and Me

Welcome to the March 2025 OT PT AT and Me newsletter! In this issue, we share OT PT and AT considerations and priorities in transition. We also share communication supports that pair with the cutting station we shared last month.

When addressing transition, it is most important to make sure that the student has a means of communication. This may mean a communication device, simply pointing to a picture on a communication board, picture exchange or by speaking. Other considerations include simple texting apps, which include writing supports, that can be loaded onto a cell phone. Some students utilize a simple communication board that is added to the back of their ID. The ID is then attached to a lanyard to limit loss and promote use.

From a physical therapist standpoint, students should be encouraged to propel their own wheelchair, obtain classroom materials without staff support and utilize strategies to carry items, such as their lunch tray, on their own. Occupational therapists may provide guidance on how students can continue to develop a functional signature. They also encourage students to complete self care tasks as independently as possible. This may include using adapted tools such as a button hook. Visual supports and/or apps such as Choice Works can be utilized to decrease the need for adult prompting.

Here are a wide variety of communication boards that can be utilized at a cutting station or while completing a table top activity that includes scissor use. Communication boards can be attached to the scissor tote or placed on a ring with other table top activity communication boards and brought to the table as needed. These boards below were made using Lesson Pix. Similar boards can be made using Symbol Stix in N2Y.

Contact OT PT and AT at 936-709-1517 or dlat@conroeisd.net

Assistive Technology: Tools, tricks and tips to improve function.