Supreme Court may tackle Jacob Winkelman, et al., v. Parma City School District.

Many groups are advocating for the right of a child with autism to receive occupational therapy services in a public school system.

The American Occupational Therapy Association, in coordination with The Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Children's law Center of the University of Richmond School of Law, Disability Law & Advocacy Center of Tennessee, Easter Seals of Northern Ohio, Parentadvocates.org, and Parents for Autistic Children's Education submitted an amici brief and respondent's brief about this issue, in support of Jacob Winkelman, et al., v. Parma City School District, asking for U.S. Supreme Court review, according to a release from AOTA.

Advocates have their fingers crossed. The Court deliberates over the summer about which cases it will hear in the October session.

"This is an opportunity to bring attention to the appropriate use of occupational therapy services in schools as an intervention for children with autism," said Christina A. Metzler, chief public affairs officer at AOTA. "The American Occupational Therapy Association is extremely supportive of the Supreme Court taking on the issues raised by this case."

Issues Lie in the IEPs

This case addresses the school district's provision of occupational therapy to the student, Jacob Winkelman, and how an individualized education program (know in the education industry as an "IEP") can be interpreted. The Court's decision in this case will influence how a free and appropriate education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is determined and implemented. Occupational therapy services for students with special needs are determined through the IEP process, AOTA said.

How does OT work in the school setting? Occupational therapy practitioners can help students’ success in academic performance and social participation and are important members of an educational team that includes teachers, school counselors, and other specialized instructional support personnel. OTs use their unique expertise to help children with and without disabilities to be prepared for and perform important learning and school-related activities to fulfill their roles as students.

They also support the development of the IEP by helping to determine the services, supports, modifications, and accommodations that are necessary for the student to achieve these goals. OTs assess students to determine their abilities, strengths, and needs and collaborate with other members of the education team to identify a student's annual measurable goals.