Occupational Therapy (OT) services at Calais support academic and non-academic outcomes including: social skills, math, literacy, behavior management, self-advocacy and more. Our in-house occupational therapist completes assessments and works with other members of our school-based team to set student goals and determine the necessary services, supports, modifications, and accommodations needed to achieve these goals.

The role of our Occupational Therapist contributes to a healthy school atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Individual and small group OT sessions occur in a dedicated and nurturing environment where students perform specific tasks necessary for participation in daily activities or learning. Such tasks include motor skills, cognitive processing, visual or perceptual problems. Difficulties staying on task, disorganization, or inappropriate sensory responses are also often addressed in OT sessions.

The Calais School OT program benefits students by helping them to:

  • develop skills for self-advocacy and independence that will serve to assist in the transition to adulthood
  • improve performance in various environments throughout the school (e.g. classroom, lunchroom, gymnasium bathroom)
  • optimize performance through specific adaptations and accommodations

AAT in Occupational Therapy

The goal of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) in occupational therapy is to create an environment that provides comfort and encouragement for students as they prepare for and perform important learning and school-related activities. Integrating a facility dog into occupational therapy provides students with an alternate modality of addressing specific needs in order to be successful in the school environment and everyday life.

Learn more about our Animal Assisted Therapy Program.