Occupational Therapy in Secondary Transition: A Case Report

Abstract

providing an example of the profession’s role in secondary transition for students with disabilities. Method: This qualitative case report examines the value of occupational therapy during transition in the life of one student with a disability. Six weeks of coaching and collaboration were provided to facilitate student engagement to enhance independent living skills, work-related skills, and self-determination. Pre-test and post-test results of the Roll Evaluation of Life Activities (REAL), the Goal-Oriented Assessment of Lifeskills (GOAL), the Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS), interviews, informal discussions, and observations were used to identify performance challenges and improvements achieved after intervention. Results: Kasey (pseudonym) met her occupational therapy-related goals that were written in her individualized education plan, including daily living skills, self-determination skills, and gross motor improvements. She exhibited improvement in scores on the GOAL. Her baseline progress score was 349, and at re-assessment 384. Her REAL activities of daily living scores also improved by 7%, and 3% in the domain of instrumental activities of daily living. Conclusion: This case report describes the advantages of occupational therapy in secondary transition services. Post-test measures and informal interviews with transition team members, caregiver, and the student identified improvements in independent living skills and self-determination skills, leading to improvement in participation and skill readiness for transitional roles.

Keywords

• occupational therapy
• independent living skills
• self-determination
• evidence-based practice
• secondary transition