Occupational Therapy and Life Skills Program

Occupational therapy provides evaluations of academic and life skills that are specifically focused on the transitional needs of the individual and ways in which our programs can further their development of community living skills, including those that encourage their participation in more mainstream academic activities. Individual Education Plans (IEP) may indicate specific occupational therapy interventions that are also provided within our academic setting. Within residential areas, occupational therapy provides recommendations and support for typical or adapted adolescent leisure and domestic skills. OT also supports “home-school” activities such as homework in collaboration with the academic team and house staff.

The Jefferson School offers an opportunity for residential students to participate in more challenging activities related to outdoor adventure, survival, and enjoyment. Currently undergoing redevelopment, the outdoor adventure and recreation program strives to promote life-long healthy living for our residents and staff alike. These activities build competencies, develop resiliency and reinforce in the adolescents an experience of mastery in various environments as they interface with the world and community at large. In recent months, student interns developed an occupational life-skills perspective of recreation and leisure that is intended to guide staff’s appreciation for the critical importance of play and recreation in adolescent development. Development of protocols for activities with specific learning and experiential guidelines has begun. Several activities, including canoe trips, have been piloted with great success.

Internships are available for occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant students within all of our program areas. Emphasis of internships is on systems change and program development. Each intern is challenged to create or enrich programs within the system. Working in collaboration with administration and staff at The Jefferson School, The Mann Residential Treatment Center, and across the Sheppard Pratt Health System, interns have the opportunity to develop and reinforce best practice.