The Shortage of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Personnel in Schools: Implications and Actions

A critical examination of school-based occupational therapy collaborative consultation

“…Challenges to collaboration between educators and occupational therapists are well documented. Specific challenges can be categorized as follows: (a) ambiguity of roles and expectations among service providers (Coolman, Foran, & Lee, 1998;Coutinho & Hunter, 1988;Fairbairn & Davidson, 1993;McEwen & Shelden, 1995;Nochajski, 2001;Rourk, 1996;Royeen, 1986;Royeen & Marsh, 1988); (b) personnel challenges, including professional isolation, heavy caseloads, and personnel shortages (Barnes & Turner, 2001;Powell, 1994;Rainforth, 2002;Whitworth, 1994); (c) pre-service preparation of educators and occupational therapists for collaborative consultation (Barnes & Turner;Dudgeon & Greenberg, 1998;Fairbairn & Davidson;Nochajski;Powell;Rainville, Cermak, & Murray, 1996); (d) pre-service preparation of occupational therapists to work in school settings (Fairbairn & Davidson;Nochajski;Spencer et al, 2006); and (e) educational relevance of occupational therapy recommendations (Kemmis & Dunn, 1996;McDougall et al, 1999).…”