Occupational Therapy and Immigrant Children: A Call to Action for School-Based Practice

This journal club will discuss the article Occupational therapy and immigrant children: A call to action for school-based practice which explores the unique and timely needs of immigrant children in US schools who face significant barriers to participation, mental health and educational success.

The discussion will emphasize the leading role of occupational therapy practitioners in establishing culturally-responsive care in the public school system using the Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) and Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) frameworks.

Concrete strategies and interventions for advocating, educating, and collaborating with school personnel to foster resilience, social connection, and well-being will be explored. We aim for participants to leave the discussion with:

(1) a clear understanding of how OTs can work at all levels of school systems to act as vital agents of change in support of immigrant children

(2) the ability to brainstorm ways to apply this knowledge in their unique settings

(3) feeling competent in supporting immigrant students to thrive academically and emotionally by creating inclusive school environments.

This chat will be guided by Sarah Cheatham Oberle, OTD, OTR/L, who is a member of the Children and Youth Special Interest Section, Course Director for pediatrics courses at Washington University in St. Louis and a developer of cognitive support programs for children and families.

We welcome individuals at all levels, from those with no prior knowledge to seasoned experts.

This call will be recorded.

If you have any issues accessing the article please email us.