by Michelle Hopstad, OT (occupational therapist)

reading time: 2 minutes

The views expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of NWACS. No endorsement by NWACS is implied regarding any device, manufacturer, resource, or strategy mentioned.

OT: occupational therapy/therapist

SLP: speech-language pathology/pathologist

AAC: augmentative-alternative communication

AT: assistive technology

Throughout my years working as an OT, I have always worked closely with my fellow speech therapists. I’ve joked with my speech therapy team members:

I’m secretly honing my speech therapy skills.
And I frequently tell them they’d make great OTs.

People innately want to communicate and move. This makes for a natural collaborative effort between OTs and SLPs when assessing and facilitating progress with those they treat. It results in great outcomes. OTs bring the ability to observe movement strengths, challenges, and sensory preferences. We can help ease a student's way to motorically access AAC and AT tools. We can also learn to incorporate inclusive AAC tools into our work in the various settings we work with students from

clinics,
classrooms,
PE, and
playgrounds

to job sites facilitating inclusive environments for all. April is OT month and is a great time to partner with your motor therapists and channel your inner OT. I promise it will not only benefit those learning AAC tools, but it will also be fun!

This photo and YouTube clip about playground communication boards in our district elementary schools is a great example of the power of combing communication and movement, motor, and speech therapy!