Access to Occupational Therapy in Schools: An International Perspective

Abstract

This article describes the multilayered impact that legal, institutional, and organizational structures and processes can have on occupational therapy service provision in schools. Two cities (Philadelphia and Melbourne) on different continents are compared to identify supports and barriers to the availability of occupational therapy services to students with disabilities. By contrasting system supports and constraints affecting the availability of occupational therapy in different countries, potential areas for professional advocacy are revealed. This article compares occupational therapy services in different education systems and offers insights into actions and areas that professionals might target to improve the availability to occupational therapy to students who need such services.

Keywords:

• Special education
• occupational therapy
• global context

Notes

Das v. McHenry School District, 20 IDELR 979 (ND 111 1994).

Office of Civil Rights Commission, Joint Policy Memorandum, 18 IDELR (1991).