Degree Name
Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Chen, Szu-Wei
Abstract
This capstone project addresses the limited understanding and communication between teachers and occupational therapists (OT) in elementary school settings, particularly in Southern Illinois. Although occupational therapist are essential members of special education teams, teachers often lack clarity about the scope and impact of occupational therapy in schools. The project’s primary aim was to educate teachers about the role of OT and provide them with practical sensory strategies to support students with sensory processing disorders in the classroom. The methodology involved assessing teachers’ needs through observation, reviewing current literature, and collaborating with site and faculty mentors. An educational module and a sensory strategy handout were developed and delivered to teachers at a rural elementary school. The module covered the roles of OT, common communication barriers, and evidence-based sensory strategies, while the handout provided concise, actionable resources for classroom use. Both resources were made available online to support sustainability and ongoing access. Results indicate that the intervention improved teachers’ awareness of occupational therapy and increased their confidence in implementing sensory strategies.
Recommended Citation
Carter, Kiley N. "Occupational Therapy’s Role in the School System: Educating Teachers on the Role of Occupational Therapy and Providing Them with Sensory Processing Strategies." (Jan 2026).