Albuquerque Public Schools
The Hands that Help Students Thrive
Celebrating National Occupational Therapy Month at APS.
April is National Occupational Therapy Month—a perfect time to recognize the 61 talented and compassionate occupational therapy providers who serve Albuquerque Public Schools. These professionals are invaluable members of our school communities.
"Occupational Therapists (OTs) play a vital role in supporting students within the school environment," APS Neuromotor OT Liaison Darla Nore said. "Their responsibilities include conducting assessments, developing and implementing intervention plans, and collaborating with teachers, parents and other school staff to facilitate student learning and participation."
APS OTs work with students to build skills that help them succeed not just in academics, but in life. "OTs help students access and engage in school activities by addressing a range of developmental and functional areas, including learning, fine and gross motor skills, self-care abilities, daily routines, environmental adaptations, and social interactions with peers and adults," Nore said.
While much of their work involves direct student support, APS occupational therapists also work hand-in-hand with educators to create sustainable strategies and classroom adaptations.
"While OTs can work directly with students, it is often working with teachers and staff that is most beneficial so that a student can benefit from strategies and modifications they need access to on a daily basis," Nore explained.
Among the many challenges they help students overcome, OTs commonly help students manage classroom materials and tools, manage sensory processing differences and learn coping strategies, improve independence with self-care needs while at school, and learn to be social while being able to self-advocate for personal needs and boundaries.
APS OT Carol Spizman shared a bit about the proud history of the profession.
"Occupational Therapy has been around since 1917, rehabbing Veterans of the First World War,” Spizman shared. “Back then we were known as 'The Basket Weavers' because we helped the wounded Vets make baskets, improving their fine motor dexterity, strength and—when they sold the baskets—pride and sense of accomplishment."
Today’s OTs continue that legacy with innovation and empathy. "We use technology options to support students who have literacy challenges so that they can get their assignments turned in. We use switches and adaptive approaches to allow medically fragile and non-verbal students to engage in their education. Also, we help with sensory issues that impact participation in class," Spizman said.
Nore is proud of the team behind all this important work. "I truly believe our OTs in APS are an exceptional team of professionals, with deep expertise and skills in their field. They consistently demonstrate a strong willingness to support their colleagues and show genuine, compassionate care for children and young adults."
This month, and every month, we thank our occupational therapists for helping APS students grow, participate and thrive.