Occupational Therapist
smckenzie@welearn.school.nz
My name is Sheila and my role as an Occupational Therapist at Arahunga School, is to observe, assess, and work closely with children and young people with special education needs.
I work with parents and caregivers, teachers and schools, and other specialists ( for example child development services in health), to help children and young people participate at school, and develop the skills to manage themselves in their daily lives.
Working alongside teachers, I aim to ensure that all students are part of the class community.
Specific areas of work may include :
Identifying access issues to schools and providing information on ramps and outdoor play equipment, bathroom, toilet and property modification recommendations.
Indoor environmental considerations such as seating requirements, desk heights, placement of technology devices, and identifying any physical barriers to learning within the classroom.
Identifying sensory processing difficulties and providing advice and guidance around sensory programmes, sensory diets and the implementation of healthy movement patterns to enhance regulation and therefore learning.
Fine motor skills development and ideas for teachers.
Perceptual Motor activities, ideas and implementation.
Working with the physiotherapist in transferring techniques and developing manual handling and safe movement patterns.
Assessment of transport needs and provision of equipment if necessary.
Adaptation of equipment or activities and tasks so that the student can learn skills that are useful in adulthood. This may include provision of toileting equipment or programmes, self care skills training, social skills groups, self awareness and emotional regulation advice, relaxation and breathing techniques for coping with stress.
As an occupational therapist I work on an individual basis, and with other members of the therapy team in a group setting, to help children and young people participate to their greatest potential at school and develop the skills to manage themselves in their daily lives.