Emily Kertcher, PhD, MOT, OTR/L, Assistant Professor, Department of Allied Health, Division of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Earn .1 AOTA CEU (1.25 NBCOT PDU/1 contact hour)
Abstract
Occupational therapy resources and interventions predominantly focus on the transition to postsecondary activities, for which occupational therapy scope of practice has been well-established to support transition. After the transition, however, individualized education programs, 504 Plans, and school-based services cease. The question arises, how do occupational therapy practitioners support students with intellectual disabilities (ID) in postsecondary education (PSE) activities? This article will discuss the history of PSE for students with ID, postsecondary options, and occupational therapy’s role in supporting PSE goals. It will include one sample program profile and three case examples of students who transitioned to PSE.
Learning Objectives
1. Recognize the various options for postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities (ID).
2. Determine appropriate assessments to guide the postschool transition process for people with ID.
3. Identify strategies in which occupational therapy practitioners may support college students with ID.
CE Find Key Words: developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, transitions, community integration, education, students
Learning Level: Entry
Target Audience: Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants
Content Focus: Category 1: Domain of OT; Category 2: OT Process
Reference Information:
Kertcher, E., (2014). Postsecondary Education for Students With
Intellectual Disabilities: An Emerging Practice Area for Occupational Therapy Practitioners. OT Practice, 19(21). CE-1–CE-8
Read More