The Occupational Therapy (OT) Department is a dynamic and passionate team serving learners of the school in a holistic manner. Our staff are trained in a wide range of therapy approaches including Neuro-Developmental Therapy (NDT), Sensory Integration (SI) and DIR Floortime. We work with learners in our school, with varying diagnoses including Cerebral Palsy, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Muscular Dystrophy, Specific Learning Disabilities such as ADHD and Dyslexia, and Mild Intellectual Disability.

As an OT department we are focused on developing each  learners independence in their daily lives which includes functioning and learning in a classroom environment, socialising and play development, life skills, socio-emotional skills, preparation for future work opportunities and self-care. In order to achieve these goals we focus on developing a learners skills, based on each individual learners ability levels, such as perceptual skills, sensory processing, gross and fine motor, social, self-care, pre-vocational and vocational skills.

These skills are developed using specifically selected activities, approaches, assistive devices and/or adapted methods tailored to the individual learner or group of learners. Puzzles, games, board games, balls, blocks, swings, high and low-technology devices, sensory equipment such as brushes, lights, visual and tactile items; crafts such as beadwork, sewing, knitting, painting and paper based tasks, are just some of the activities used in therapy on a daily basis.

We work closely with all members of a learners team including parents/guardians, general assistants/caregivers, educators and other therapists to achieve these goals.  Learners at Forest  Town School are seen on an individual, small (2-5 learners) or large group basis, with an individual OT or in combined sessions with an OT and Speech/Physio-therapist depending on the aims of their therapy needs and support. We assess and subsequently treat or monitor learners and consult with other team members. Our staff work around the school, assisting learners with their functioning on playgrounds, in classrooms, and in school activities such as sporting events, talents shows and concerts.