Integrating Technology for Therapeutic Impact at KIPP Northern California
At KIPP Northern California, we provide all the resources our students need to thrive – which can include teams of specialists, like our occupational therapy (OT) team. This year, our OT team is incorporating a new approach to support student growth and development – iPads!
Understanding Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a multifaceted profession focused on enhancing individuals’ ability to engage in meaningful activities, also known as “occupations”, throughout their daily lives. OTs work with people across their lifespan and in many settings. In a school setting, this can be from self-care tasks like dressing and grooming to academic tasks like handwriting and classroom participation. Occupational therapists address a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges that may impact a person’s ability to function independently.
Laura Maneschi, Lead Occupational Therapist at KIPP Northern California, emphasizes the broad scope of occupational therapy: “The focus is on function. The use of the word ‘occupation’ means everything that we do throughout a day.” Whether it’s addressing motoric challenges or psychological adjustments, occupational therapists are dedicated to supporting individuals in their occupations throughout their day and throughout their lives.
A KIPP Bridge student working on developing hand muscles which facilitate hand function.
Digital Tools for Occupational Therapy
Incorporating iPads into OT sessions provides engaging and effective therapy by using technology that students are already familiar with. By leveraging carefully selected apps and programs, the OT team ensures that every interaction with the iPad serves a therapeutic purpose. The interactive nature of the apps not only enhances engagement but also facilitates learning, particularly for students with profound autism who may struggle with traditional therapy methods.
With a focus on therapeutic impact, the team carefully curated apps to students’ specific needs, such as handwriting improvement and eye-hand coordination. For example, one common app used during occupational therapy sessions is called “Handwriting Without Tears.” This program helps students improve their handwriting skills through interactive exercises. Although the OTs also use the paper and pencil version of this program, many students respond more positively to the interaction of the iPad version.
Our occupational therapists immediately noticed the motivating factor of the iPads – students have been very excited to incorporate technology into their learning. Even short sessions on the device have been yielding positive results. The error-free learning style, which means a student can’t continue to the next level until they fix a mistake, ensures students stay on track while enjoying their therapy sessions.
A KIPP Bridge student working on visual motor skills required for handwriting.
Collaboration for Success
Collaboration between occupational therapists, teachers, paraeducators, and all members of the special education and general education teams, plays a pivotal role in delivering effective support to students. By aligning therapy sessions with classroom curriculum and individual student needs, our educators ensure a seamless learning experience across all school settings.
At KIPP Northern California, our dedicated team of occupational therapists is committed to providing high-quality services to students across our schools. Through their tireless efforts and creative approaches, they empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence, and achieve their full potential. Together, we’re shaping a brighter future for every student, one task at a time.
