Providing for the severely handicapped: a case for competency-based preparation of occupational therapists

Recent court decisions that mandate the development of new instructional alternatives for severely handicapped children will have significant implications for occupational therapists. Focusing on such issues as mainstreaming, accountability, and certification standards, this paper places in perspective the problems and trends that have led to this new challenge. It also provides suggestions for the development and disposition of training programs that can ultimately result in more appropriate programming for the handicapped children in the new population to be served in the public schools. Illustrated with examples of competency components and behavioral objectives, competency-based occupational therapy preparation programs are emphasized.