Occupational therapy roles and functions in the education of the school-based handicapped student

This article presents current roles and functions of the school-based occupational therapist that were identified through data analyses of surveys conducted during 1978. The major roles emerging from data are evaluation/screening, program planning, implementing intervention programs, supervision, and consultation. Functions of occupational therapy educational management for each of the roles are specified. The findings will be used in the development of competency-based educational programs to prepare the occupational therapist with the specialized competencies needed in the provision of services within school systems.