I am writing in response to Patti O’Keefe’s letter to the editor titled “N.L. government overlooking value of occupational therapists,” published on Oct. 1.
Currently I am in my second year of my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at University of Toronto. I knew when I left to pursue occupational therapy that jobs were limited back home.
But, I was not aware that occupational therapists (OTs) are not employed within the school system. Or that Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province in Canada to not have OTs working in schools.
This surprised me as I see much need for OTs within our school system, as they bring value to both students, parents and teachers.
More and more children need support in the classroom due to specialized needs and accommodations. N.L. has the highest autism prevalence rate in Canada. More mental-health issues and learning disabilities are seen at younger ages. Large class sizes can become a barrier for teachers to accommodate all needs within a classroom.
In March 2018, the provincial government budgeted $3.1 million to the school district for reading specialists, learning resource teachers, and instructional assistants.
I was disappointed to see that the budget did not include a role for OTs.
In other provinces, OTs enable students to engage better within school and provide strategies to teachers, surrounding the needs and learning environments for individuals within their classroom. They are multifaceted and take a holistic approach to their work.
OTs develop programming and implement universal intervention strategies within classrooms and create specific intervention strategies for individuals. They lead professional development for parents, teachers, and educational assistants.
OTs have knowledge about learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, mental health and environmental factors that can affect learning. They teach life skills for those who have disabilities helping to creating independence. Some OTs even focus on sex education for those who may be on the spectrum, helping them navigate the social world of relationships and dating.
The government knows that there is a need to further support children’s development and learning. The Department of Education and Early Childhood 2017-2020 strategic plan’s main goal is to enhance early learning and childcare.
Supporting healthy child development is a key to achieving this goal. The NLCHR recently published a report on pre-school screening to support the development of an evidence-informed provincial policy. I would argue that OTs would be an excellent fit within this policy as they are concerned with child development and how a child is engaging in their environment to achieve their goals.
I never considered myself a passionate Newfoundlander until I left my province and, like many OT students in my position, I would love to return.
My goal still is to find work at home.
Private therapy can be expensive for families, having OTs work within the public-school system would enhance accessibility to services. I would like to call on teachers and parents. Look into the value to occupational therapy. Challenge your school district and government to hire OTs within schools. Together we can make the change needed to give our children a better base for their future and enhance overall health of our province for years to come.
Hilary Walsh, MPH
Student Occupational Therapist
University of Toronto
