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 Welcome to Resource of the Month, featuring books or other resources that have been recommended by some of our occupational therapist or physical therapist team members. We are building quite an archive; be sure to check out some of the resources that were recommended in past months. Enjoy!  This Month’s Recommended Resource: Fun Summer Activities for Kids with Special Needs (Part 1)
 Information about Summer Camps for Children with Special Needs
Resources for Months Past:
April 2023 In honor of National Occupational Therapy Month
Tracing worksheets are a popular classroom tool to aid developing writers and struggling writers. But what do recent studies say about the use of tracing worksheets? Read this article to find out and to learn the most effective methods for learning to write. The article includes links to helpful resources.
March 2023
TxSpot's new Professional Development webinar! Dysgraphia: Identification to Intervention Explore the topic of dysgraphia. Learn:
Why is handwriting an important topic?
How do handwriting skills develop?
What is dysgraphia?
How do we identify it?
What does research say about effective intervention?
Who should watch this webinar? Occupational therapy practitioners
Special Education Administrators
General and Special Education teachers
Parents
Others who are interested in learning about dysgraphia.
Find the Dysgraphia webinar on the TxSpot Professional Development page.
Log in to TxSpot, then scroll down to the last webinar on the page.
February 2023
Regular physical activity is one of the most important things people can do to improve their health. Moving more and sitting less have tremendous benefits for everyone, regardless of age, sex, race, ethnicity, or current fitness level. The scientific evidence continues to build—physical activity is linked with even more positive health outcomes than we previously thought. This edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans is grounded in the most current scientific evidence. It provides guidance on the amounts and types of physical activity necessary to maintain or improve overall health and reduce the risk of, or even prevent, chronic disease. School-based therapists will be especially interested in Chapter 2 (with its information about health benefits of physical activity) and in Chapter 3 (which details guidelines for active children and adolescents, including some real-life examples).
December 2022 Here is an old favorite! – a repeat of the December 2019 Resource of the Month – just in time for the 2022 holiday season! “Tips to Select Toys for Children with Special Needs" from the American Physical Therapy Association. It has suggestions for types of toys that may delight children with special needs and various abilities. There is also a link to a podcast by two mothers raising children with special needs and a panel discussion of toy buying tips for the holidays. So, check it out and maybe share it with parents of the students you serve.
Happy Holidays! Click here for the festive link! Tips for Toys for Children with Special Needs
October 2022
 In honor of National Physical Therapy Month, October's Resource of the Month is a new video posted on TxSpot's Professional Development page: SCHOOL-BASED PHYSICAL THERAPY – WHAT IS THAT? Watch this short video to discover more about school-based physical therapy practice and some of the ways in which it differs from physical therapy practice in other settings. Also hear from some school-based physical therapists and physical therapist assistants about their practice in schools.
Who should view this video?
Anyone who wants to learn more about school-based physical therapy. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants who want to share with others about their practice in the school setting.
Link to video: School-Based Physical Therapy - What is That?  https://bit.ly/School-basedPT
September 2022
THE ART AND SCIENCE OF HANDWRITING INTERVENTION NOV. 9, 2022 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Available Livestream and On Demand through Dec. 31, 2022) The speaker: Dr. Beverly Moskowitz, A nationally recognized speaker and author of the Size Matters Handwriting Program This workshop is designed to help occupational therapy practitioners and educators design and implement handwriting instruction that reflects current educational policy and practices alongside the latest evidence and research on handwriting intervention. Audience: Occupational Therapy Practitioners, General and Special Education Teachers. 5.25 contact hours CEU, CPE.
Registration deadline for Livestream: October 31; Registration deadline for On Demand: December 16 (Registrants will have course materials mailed to them) For more information & to register, follow the link: The Art and Science of Handwriting Intervention - workshop flyer and registration
August 2022 School-Based
Leadership Group Meetings
The School-Based Therapy Services division of Harris County Department of Education sponsors School-Based Leadership Groups including virtual meetings where school-based personnel meet to discuss topics, exchange information and ideas, discuss strategies, explore solutions, and connect with other like-minded individuals.
Physical Therapy Leadership Group Open to school-based physical therapists and physical therapist assistants Meeting Time: 12:00 Noon – 12:30 PM
Third Tuesday Meeting Dates: September 20, November 15, January 17, February 21, March 21, April 18 Link for Physical Ttherapy Leadership Group meeting: https://hcde-texas-org.zoom.us/j/83056271095?pwd=enFEUmxEN1I2cFR1Y3hlR3ZlQnRwUT09
Mental Health Leadership Group Open to any interested person
Meeting Time: 12:00 Noon – 12:30 PM
Second Tuesday Meeting Dates: September 13, November 8, February 14, April 11 Link for Mental Health Leadership Group meeting: https://hcde-texas-org.zoom.us/j/82158735973?pwd=N05aQ1RZK28zVkRLRTNEdk9pRFRoZz09
June 2022
Texas Occupational Therapy Association presents: School-based Occupational Therapy: Solutions for Multi-tiered System of Support Virtual Webinar June 11, 2022 10 AM – 12 PM CDT Speaker: Lou Ann Hintz, PhD, OTR Current occupational therapy literature and federal legislation support school-based occupational therapists' participation in multi-tiered system of support (MTSS). Yet many school-based occupational therapists struggle to implement. This interactive virtual webinar will share recent research which describes teachers' experiences with occupational therapists who participate in MTSS and illustrate precisely how some occupational therapists across the nation are having success with MTSS. Solutions will be shared to support occupational therapists in advocating for their role in MTSS, outlining their role and scope, and establishing documentation for data collection. (2 CEUs) Cost of Webinar: TOTA member: FREE Non-member OT/OTA: $30 Non-member student: $15 Click here for the conference brochure and link to registration: TOTA Multi-Tiered System of Support flyer
May 2022 School-Based Physical Therapy: Collaboration with School District Carpenters May's Resource of the Month is a short video by Nora Contreras, one Harris County Department of Education's own physical therapist assistants. Nora describes how collaboration between physical therapy and her school district's carpentry department has resulted in custom-built adaptive equipment specifically designed to meet the needs and goals of individual students. The video features 3 charming youngsters and 5 different examples of custom-built equipment.
April 2022
The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, March/April 2020, Vol. 74, No. 2 Research Article Interventions Within the Scope of Occupational Therapy to Improve Children's Academic Participation: A Systematic Review
Link: https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.039016
The objective of this research article was “To examine the effectiveness of interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice to improve academic participation of children and youth ages 5-21 yr." It was supported and funded by AOTA as part of its Evidence-Based Practice Project. A total of 46 studies were included in the review; these were “based on three themes: (1) interventions to support participation and learning in the classroom; (2) interventions to support motivation and participation in literacy, including combined reading, written expression, and comprehension; and (3) interventions to support handwriting."
March 2022 Joint Statement on Interprofessional Collaborative Goals in School-Based Practice   “highlights a process for IEP team members to collaborate to develop IEP goals to support students with disabilities in participation in school life. A group of occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs), physical therapists (PTs), and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) with extensive experience in school practice worked together to summarize considerations for collaborative goal writing. However, the information shared in this document was designed for use by any team of professionals developing collaborative IEP goals, and can be shared with administrators, families, IEP team members, and advocates to demonstrate the steps involved in this process."
January 2022 ![]()  Online Class Thursday January 27, 3:30 – 5:30 PM CST Presented by Educational Service Center - Region 6 Speaker: Dr. Anne Watson, OT, PhD
Sensory processing differences is an often-used term that may be applied loosely to explain difficulties some children have with participating in school activities. This presentation is recommended for teachers, OTs, LSSPs, and diagnosticians. [Dr. Watson] will review specifically the sensory differences associated with autism and ADHD. The presentation also includes a review of intervention strategies that can be used in the classroom to address the behaviors associated with sensory differences and how the efficacy of those strategies can be measured.
December 2021  ![]()
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures – The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin (Amazing Scientists Book 1) Written by Julia Finley Mosca; Illustrated by Daniel Rieley If you've ever felt different, if you've ever been low, if you don't quite fit in, There's a name you should know. TEMPLE GRANDIN's that name. In her tale you'll find glory. So, get ready, get set, for this cowgirl's TRUE story. So begins The Girl Who Thought in Pictures – The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin, a book to share with children of (almost) any age. It is “the first book in a brand new educational series about the inspirational lives of amazing scientists." In addition to the charmingly illustrated rhyming tale, the book includes a short complete biography, a timeline of events, fun facts, and a note from Dr. Grandin herself. The book, rated 4.9 of 5 stars in global reader ratings, has won multiple awards including “Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award Recipient," “A Mighty Girl Book of the Year," and is a selection for “National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) Best STEM books for K-12" and for “NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books."
October 2021
![]() “You're Going to Love This Kid!" – Teaching Students with Autism in the Inclusive Classroom By Paula Kluth This second edition of the best-selling “You're Going to Love This Kid!" by Paula Kluth is “fully revised and more practical than ever." Well-loved by educators for its creative ideas and inspiration, this new edition is “the ultimate practical guide to including students with autism, teaching them effectively and sensitively, and appreciating the gifts they bring to the classroom."
July-August 2021Child Find, Evaluation, and ARD Supports Network Texas Education Agency's Child Find, Evaluation, and ARD Supports Network has a wealth of authoritative information and recorded webinars helpful to school-based occupational and physical therapists. Below are examples of some of the topics related to Child Find, Evaluation, and ARD Supports. Explore these subpages for everything you need to know about Child Find, Evaluation, and ARD Supports in Texas. Example: Evaluation subpage Topics Initial Evaluations Reevaluations Evaluation Procedures Review of Existing Disability Criteria and Timelines Evaluation Data Eligibility Determination (REED) In addition, you'll find links to other helpful websites such as “SpedTex" and “The Legal Framework."
Click the link: TEA ChildFind, Evaluation, and ARD Supports Network
May 2021 Taking Charge of ADHD – The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents by Dr. Russell A. Barkley This is the 4th edition of the leading resource for parents about attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) authored by internationally recognized authority, Dr. Russell A. Barkley. The book is offered in print and e-book forms. It has been revised and updated with the latest information and resources. It features information on: - Understand why children with ADHD act the way they do.
- Get an accurate diagnosis.
- Work with school and healthcare personnel to find needed support.
- Implement a proven behavior management plan.
- Build academic and social skills.
- Restore harmony at home.
New content includes a chapter on health risks associated with ADHD, the latest information on causes of the disorder, current facts on medications, sibling issues, and advice for parents who may have ADHD themselves. “This is not just another book. This is a GREAT book…. Although aimed at parents, (it) has something for everyone involved with ADHD kids: teachers, psychologists, doctors, and family." – Pediatric News
March 2020 
Universal Design for Learning – FREE online learning modules Texas Education Agency's Region 4 Educational Service Center is offering 5 FREE online learning modules about Universal Design for Learning. Sign up for one or more. Share with teachers. But you will need to hurry! Registration for the series closes at 12:00 AM on April 30, 2021. Module Descriptions: UDL Module 1: Universal Design for Learning Overview - Session ID 1589765 In this module, you will gain an understanding of the need for UDL in today's classrooms. You will be introduced to the key vocabulary, foundational concepts, and perspective needed to fully grasp the complexity and significance of the UDL Framework. UDL Module 2: The UDL Framework - Session ID 1589763 In this module, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the UDL framework, including its structure, curricular components, and the research behind it. You will understand the alignment between the 3-brain networks for learning and the three UDL guiding principles. UDL Module 3: The Engagement Principle - Session ID 1589761 In this module, you will take a deep dive into the UDL principle of Multiple Means of Engagement and the associated checkpoints. Through scenarios, examples, and activities, you will explore sample lesson plans and apply your understanding of how and when to utilize the UDL strategies associated with this principle. UDL Module 4: Multiple Means of Representation - Session 1589759 In this module, you will take a deep dive into the UDL principle of Multiple Means of Representation and the associated checkpoints. Through scenarios, examples and activities, you will explore sample lesson plans and apply your understanding of how and when to utilize the UDL strategies associated with this principle. UDL Module 5: Multiple Means of Action and Expression - Session 1589692 In this module, you will take a deep dive into the UDL principle of Multiple Means of Action and Expression and the associated checkpoints. Through scenarios, examples, and activities, you will explore sample lesson plans and apply your understanding of how and when to utilize the UDL strategies associated with this principle.
January 2020 CanChild and CP-Net ![]()
TxSpot's Resource of the Month for January 2020 is CanChild and its off-shoot, the Childhood Cerebral Palsy Integrated Neuroscience Discovery Network (CP-net). CanChild is a non-profit and educational center located at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada. They are dedicated to improving the lives of children with a variety of developmental conditions and their families over the lifespan. They are a “premier source for childhood disability information." The website includes information about diagnoses, research in practice, and a resource page. CP-net is a program designed to improve the understanding of cerebral palsy (CP) and to accelerate the development of new treatments. Its ultimate goal is to improve the lives of people with CP and their families. The website includes resources such as posters, videos, and reports on CP-related research. There are also webinars and presentations such as “Transitioning to Adult Care: Experiences from Youth and Young Adults," “Communication Technology for Children with Cerebral Palsy," and “Covert (and Overt) Attitudes Toward Disability." Each website also provides access to a monthly (CanChild) or quarterly (CP-net) Newsletter so you can get the latest updates.
Here are the links for these great resources:
CanChild CP-Net
December 2019 December’s Resource of the Month is just in time for the holiday season! from the American Physical Therapy Association. It has suggestions for types of toys that may delight children with special needs and various abilities. There is also a link to a podcast by two mothers raising children with special needs and a panel discussion of toy buying tips for the holidays. So, check it out and maybe share it with parents of the students whom you serve. Happy Holidays! November 2019  November's Resource of the Month is a pair of autism-spectrum-related websites from the Texas Education Agency’s Region 13 Educational Service Center. Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training (TSLAT) provides training, support, and resources for educators serving students with autism. It has an online course library with over 80 courses, a video library with short videos to support educators and parents as well as the Texas Autism Resource Guide for Effective Teaching (TARGET) which has a strong emphasis on evidence-based and peer-reviewed strategies in two sections, one on assessments and one on interventions. Autism Circuit Academy offers professional development courses to help Texas educators acquire and implement evidence-based practices in educating students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Persons completing the training can earn an endorsement, a visible sign of the work accomplished to become skilled in the implementation of the evidence-based practices identified by the National Professional Development Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder. The training is free for employees of local educational agencies in Texas. October 2019  Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) PEDro is the Physiotherapy Evidence Database and comes from Australia. It is a free database of thousands of randomized trials, systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines for physical therapy. For each trial, review or guideline, PEDro provides the citation details, the abstract and a link to the full text, where possible. Trials on PEDro are independently assessed for quality. The quality ratings can quickly guide users to trials that are more likely to be valid and to contain sufficient information to guide clinical practice. One feature of PEDro that you may like is “Evidence in Your Inbox” which will provide monthly links to the latest clinical practice guidelines, systematic reviews and clinical trials for selected physical therapy topics. PEDro is produced by the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, School of Public Health at the University of Sydney and is hosted by Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA). PEDro is in partnership with the Australian Physiotherapy Association. July 2019 Summer Reading Program with Bookshare 
Bookshare is an initiative that makes reading easier. People with dyslexia, blindness, cerebral palsy, and other reading barriers can customize their reading experience to suit their own learning style. Bookshare’s eBooks can be read in audio, braille, and other easy-to-read formats on almost any device. Bookshare is FREE for qualified U.S. students and schools.This summer, Bookshare offers an enriching summer reading program designed to keep students reading over the summer. Reading lists are curated and modeled after the Collaborative Summer Library Program, including level-appropriate tales of fantasy, science fiction, #ownvoices, and other topics for leisure reading. 2019’s theme from the Collaborative Summer Library Program is “A Universe of Stories;” so, although many different subjects are available in the Bookshare summer reading list, books with the theme of Space Exploration are featured. June 2019 5 Ways to Speak to Your Pediatric Patients TxSpot's Resource of the Month for June ia an article with some simple, but good, advice for communicating with kids! May 2019
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This month’s recommended resource is a set geared toward schools. All come from the National Association of School Psychologists or from Every Moment Counts. Follow the links:
April 2019 In honor of Autism Awareness Month, April’s recommended resource includes two autism-related resources from AOTA. We have also added these two resources to the TxSpot Resource page.
February 2019
The SETT Framework is an organizational tool to help collaborative teams create Student-centered, Environmentally useful, and Tasks-focused Tool systems that foster the educational success of students with disabilities. The SETT Framework is built on the premise that in order to develop an appropriate system of assistive technology devices and services, teams must first gather information about the student, the customary environments in which the students spend their time, and the tasks that are required for the students to be active participants in the teaching/learning processes that lead to educational success. * *Quote taken from SETT Framework website December 2018 
Evidence-Based Practice Resources for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum The TxSpot Resource of the Month for December is a bundle of resources on Evidence-Based Practice for individuals on the autism spectrum. (You may be able to get continuing education credit for some of them.) Check them out! The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder: October 2018  Resources for Parents Would you like some trustworthy resources that you could provide to the parents of the students whom you serve? Here are some that we found: Parent Coordination Network - A resource for parents of children receiving special education services (a leadership function of the Texas Education Agency). "The Patent Coordination Network is committed to ensuring that parents of students with diasabilities recieve accurate and timely information to assist them in making informed choices in their children's education." Parent Coordination SHOUT OUT! - A newsletter from the Parent Coordination Network that offers tips and resources for parents of students with disabilities. Texas Project FIRST - "Created by parents, for parents!" A project of the Texas Education Agency committed to providing accurate and consistent information to parents and families of students with disabilities. Navigate Life Texas - Provides resuorces and information for kids with disabilities and special needs. A project of Texas Health and Human Services. September 2018  Photo from caribtots2teens.com Does it seem like you have more and more students from different cultural backgrounds? How may culture affect their motor development? This Resource/Fact Sheet from the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy explores how motor development can vary across various cultures. It covers: What is Culture, Why is this Important, Culture and Motor Development, Implications for Therapists, Culturally Competent Care and Family-Centered Pediatric Care (Put on Your Thinking Cap), and lists additional resources for Cultural Competency. August 2018 “I’m Tyler....Don’t be surprised” is a peek into a real kid’s life where people just like you have realized that what a kid can do is much more important than what they can’t. In this inspirational video, Tyler talks about “Ability Awareness” and the teachers, administrators, para-educators, theater directors, music directors, youth leaders, karate sensei’s, Scout leaders, and others who saw his abilities rather than his disabilities and gave him the opportunity to be himself. July 2018 Every Moment Counts is a mental health promotion initiative developed to help all children and youth become mentally healthy in order to succeed in school, at home and in the community. This work focuses on reframing mental health as a positive state of functioning – it is more than the absence of mental illness. Positive mental health is associated with feeling good emotionally, doing well functionally, and coping with challenges in everyday life. For children and youth, this means doing well during academic (classroom) as well as nonacademic (recess, lunch, after-school extracurricular activities) times of the school day. The purpose of the website is share practical resources that can be used by school personnel, children/youth, and families to promote positive mental health and well-being in all children and youth throughout the day. June 2018 Safe Student Lifting and Transfers in the School Setting: A Decision-Making Guide This resource/fact sheet from the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy provides guidelines on safe lifting and transferring of students in the school setting. It includes recommendations from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, things to consider when creating a lifting/transfer plan, and decision-making algorithms. May 2018 
There is a new resource available for persons with a stake in special education in Texas. It is SPEDTex, the Special Education Information Center, and is sponsored by the Region 10 Educational Service Center. The purpose of SPEDTex is to deliver “accurate and timely resources about special education to stakeholders across the state of Texas.” In addition to various resources and videos available on the website, specialists are available to answer questions by telephone, email, or live chat. Click here for access to the SPEDTex website: SpedTX.org March 2018 Successful Participation at School: Strategies for All Students This resource from the American Occupational Therapy Association provides tips for educators on how to help their students: · Improve behavior · Improve attention to task and ability to work independently · Manage emotions · Promote friendship and peer interaction · Promote academic performance in areas such as literacy, numeracy · Improve executive function · Increase personal independence in daily school routines In addition, it desctribes the expertise that Occupational Therapists can provide in these areas. February 2018  Seating and Wheeled Mobility: A Clinical Resource Guide by Michele L. Lange and Jean Minkel Seating and Wheeled Mobility: A Clinical Resource Guide provides the depth and breadth of the clinical practice of wheelchair seating and mobility to both those who are new to the field, as well as seasoned professionals. It presents clinical assessment considerations when working with a person with a disability who may need wheelchair seating for postural support, skin integrity, or a wheelchair base to best meet dependent or independent mobility needs. The text is divided into sections, each addressing a different area of clinical practice. November 2017 Transition Planning for Secondary Students with Disabilities (4th Edition) by Robert W. Flexer, Robert M. Baer, Pamela Luft, Thomas J. Simmons Transition Planning for Secondary Students with Disabilities (4th edition) is a comprehensive and practical resource for anyone involved in dealing with and meeting the transition needs of students with disabilities. The authors describe the varied transition needs readers are likely to encounter in their work and provide a succinct look at the options and career paths potentially available. They cover implementing transition systems, creating a transition perspective of education, and promoting movement to postschool environments. October 2017 Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder By Scott Tomchek, PhD, OT/L, FAOTA, and Kristie Patten Koenig, PhD, OT/L, FAOTA Recommended by AC - HCDE The most recent Centers for Disease Control and prevention data on the prevalence of autism in the United States identified 1 in 68 children (1 in 42 boys, 1 in 189 girls) as having ASD (autism spectrum disorder), and it has been estimated that more than 3.5 million people in the United States live with ASD. This Practice Guideline provides an overview of the evidence for occupational therapy to assist people with ASD in achieving health, well-being, and participation in life through engagement in occupations. It explains the occupational therapy process for this population, defines the domain, and describes interventions that occur within acceptable practice. Extensive attention is given to sensory, psychosocial, and family issues. Appendixes include searchable evidence tables on a flash drive for ease of use. Also, check out our Featured Article about this book and Social Narratives: September 2017 Special Edition This month TxSpot features a Special Edition Resource of the Month in response to the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey. The following are links to resources that can help with questions school-based therapists and other school personnel may have regarding unique situations created by Hurricane Harvey which affect special education and our students with disabilities. |
