SENSORY & PERCEPTION

People are first and foremost sensory learners- information is most readily felt, heard, or seen before it can be understood and integrated as a frame of reference. The sensory stimulation that occurs in occupational therapy can compensate for the student’s deficits in body image, sensory integration, and the use of fine motor implements. The Occupational Therapist (OT) addresses students individually through a variety of sensory, fine motor, and gross motor activities. These activities involve tactile de-sensitization and proprioceptive input (such as swinging and joint compressions).

The Teacher of students with Visual Impairments (TVI) works with students to teach them to use their eyes to look, ‘see’, and experience the world around them. Using different techniques such as positioning, movement, and different colors the TVI is able to determine what motivates them to use their vision. The TVI also accompanies students to evaluations to provide pertinent information that guarantees a more accurate assessment and yields meaningful results. This information is shared with the transdisciplinary team so that proper modifications/adaptations can be made in all learning environments.