A great occupational therapist is a key success factor in your inclusive school--OTs are on the front lines every day, making critical decisions that help students access the curriculum and fully participate. This is the friendly, down-to-earth survival guide OTs need to deliver their important services effectively as part of an inclusive school team. Packed with practical guidance and tips, examples that relate directly to an OT's daily practice, and first-person insights from seasoned OTs, this guidebook is key to helping students develop new skills in key areas, from motor skills and mobility to academic achievement and friendships. All new OTs should read this book before their first day in an inclusive school--and veteran OTs will find it invaluable for ensuring that supports are delivered in the least restrictive environment.

STRATEGIES THAT HELP OTs:

• collaborate with other members of the school team
• choose and use environmental, behavioral, social, and academic supports that help students succeed
• stay focused on strengths and abilities rather than disability
• use an RTI framework to deliver appropriate levels of support
• match supports to students' specific strengths
• avoid "the Velcro effect" and support student independence
• facilitate peer supports and friendships
• resolve challenging behavior in gentle, positive ways
• keep expectations high for all students

PRACTICAL MATERIALS: Tools and checklists to help organize team meeting notes, choose student supports, define team roles and responsibilities, support participation of nonverbal students, presume competence, and more.

Get more from Julie Causton:

Click here to watch a recording of Dr. Causton's webinar - The Role of the Paraprofessional in the Inclusive Class

Julie Causton, Ph.D., is founder and CEO of Inclusive Schooling. She is a former Professor in the Inclusive and Special Education Program in the Department of Teaching and Leadership at Syracuse University. She has spent the past 20 years studying and creating best practices for inclusive education, with a specific focus on supporting students whose behavior challenges the educational system. As a former special education teacher herself, she knows firsthand how belonging leads to better outcomes for students. She works with administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, and families across the country to help them create inclusive experiences. Dr. Causton is the author of seven books about inclusive education and she has published articles in over thirty educational research and practitioner journals. She also hosts The Inclusion Podcast on iTunes. Dr. Causton lives in Manlius, NY with her wife, two adorable teenagers, dog, and three cats.

Chelsea Tracy-Bronson, M.A., is a former elementary educator who has focused her career on bringing inclusive opportunities to all. She is an Assistant Professor in the Special Education Program at Stockton University. She has a master's degree from Teacher's College at Columbia University and is in the Special Education doctorate program at Syracuse University. She works with districts and schools to redesign services to create inclusive special education and related service provision. Her research and professional interests include curriculum design that allows access for all, differentiating instruction, educational technology, supporting students with significant disabilities in inclusive classrooms, and inclusive related service provision.