Tag Archives: occupational therapy (OT) tools

Occupational therapy (OT) tools include equipment and materials used to support sensory integration, motor skills, coordination, and functional independence in children.

Visual Motor Assessment with Post-COVID Standards

Assessments, School-Based Practice, Visual Perception, , ,

The recent Therapro webinar, Psymark’s Visual Motor Abilities Test (VMAT) with Post COVID Standardization: Administered & Digitally Scored on the iPad, gave clinicians a practical look at how the visual motor assessment test process is evolving for today’s students. Presented by Karen Silberman, Ed.D., LEP and Dana Khudaverdyan, Ed.D., LEP, this session highlighted why updated assessment tools matter and how digital testing can improve efficiency, accuracy, and clinical decision-making.

Visual-motor integration remains one of the most important foundational skills for school success. It impacts handwriting, copying from the board, scissor use, classroom participation, and overall academic performance. For occupational therapists, school psychologists, educators, and intervention teams, selecting the right visual motor assessment test is critical for identifying concerns early and creating meaningful intervention plans.

The webinar introduced the new Psymark Visual-Motor Tests App: Visual-Motor Abilities Test (VMAT), the first fully digital standardized visual-motor assessment designed for iPad use. Built for children ages 4–9, VMAT includes post-COVID norms, providing more relevant benchmarking for today’s learners whose developmental experiences have been shaped by increased screen use and changes in fine motor opportunities since 2020. 

One of the strongest takeaways from the webinar was the efficiency of administration. Unlike traditional paper-and-pencil testing, VMAT allows clinicians to administer the assessment directly on an iPad using a finger or stylus. Automatic scoring removes subjectivity, reduces human error, and generates comprehensive reports instantly. This means less time measuring angles and calculating scores—and more time developing interventions and collaborating with families and teams. Reports can be easily used for IEPs, RTI/MTSS documentation, and referrals.

Another standout feature is the built-in Goal Bank. Therapists can move directly from assessment results to individualized treatment planning without starting from scratch. This supports faster goal writing and stronger documentation, especially in busy school-based and outpatient settings.

To further support visual-motor intervention planning, Therapro also recommends these related tools:

These tools pair well with VMAT by helping clinicians move from identification to intervention quickly and effectively.

As therapists, we know that assessment should do more than generate a score—it should guide better outcomes. The VMAT helps bridge that gap by combining current norms, digital precision, and practical reporting into one streamlined platform.

If you missed the webinar, you can still view the recording and explore how this innovative visual motor assessment test can support your practice. You can also browse additional resources in Therapro’s Visual Perception and Assessment categories to build a stronger toolkit for evaluation and intervention.

For clinicians looking to modernize visual-motor assessment while improving accuracy and saving valuable time, VMAT is a strong step forward.

5 Ways to Support School Participation

Therapist Resources, ,

Participation is the foundation of learning. When students with developmental disabilities are supported with the right tools and strategies, engagement, confidence, and independence increase dramatically.

Here are five practical, classroom-ready school participation strategies that therapists and educators can implement immediately.

1. Optimize Seating for Regulation and Focus

Postural stability directly impacts attention and fine motor performance. Students who struggle to sit upright may fatigue quickly or seek movement in disruptive ways.

Practical supports include:

The goal is not eliminating movement — it’s channeling it productively.

Wobble Stool
Attachable FootFidget® Footrest
Attachable FootFidget® Footrest
the alert seat a large round ball inside a metal base with wheels for sitting
The Alert Seat

2. Support Fine Motor Access

When writing, cutting, or manipulating materials is difficult, academic participation suffers.

Consider:

Reducing motor strain increases classroom confidence.

Pencil Grips
Easi-Grip Loop Scissors
Adapted Scissors
With line paper assortment by therapro
Raised Line Paper

3. Build in Sensory Regulation Opportunities

Students with sensory processing differences may struggle with noise, transitions, or tactile input.

Support regulation by:

Regulated students participate more consistently.

Comfy & Portable Weighted Sensory Lap Pad
Weighted Sensory Lap Pad
Sensory Dark Den framed tent for quiet, low-stimulation environments
Sensory Dark Den
Move your body fun deck
Move Your Body Fun Deck

4. Modify Tasks Without Lowering Expectations

Participation improves when tasks are accessible — not simplified.

Examples:

  • Shortened written responses with oral explanation
  • Visual checklists for multi-step tasks
  • Adaptive technology for written output
  • Chunked assignments with structured breaks

The focus is access, not reduction of learning goals.

5. Foster Inclusive Peer Interaction

Participation extends beyond academics.

Encourage:

  • Structured cooperative learning
  • Peer modeling
  • Leadership opportunities
  • Classroom jobs that highlight strengths

Inclusive environments increase social participation and belonging.

Final Thoughts

Small environmental shifts create meaningful change. When we prioritize access, regulation, and motor support, we empower students to engage fully in school routines.

This Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, consider one strategy you can implement immediately to improve participation in your classroom or therapy space.

Vision Care Considerations for Disabilities

Therapist Resources, Visual Perception, , ,

Watch the full webinar here:
📺Optometric Care and Considerations for Individuals with Disabilities

On February 10, 2026, Dr. Jem Martin, OD, FAAO, presented an insightful webinar on vision care disabilities. The session provided practical guidance for therapists, educators, and allied health professionals on how vision intersects with functional performance in individuals with developmental or neurological differences.

1. Understanding Eye Anatomy and Function

Dr. Martin reviewed essential eye anatomy and visual pathways, emphasizing how variations can affect daily activities and learning. For professionals working with individuals with disabilities, recognizing how the visual system operates is key to interpreting behaviors and supporting functional goals. Integrating knowledge of vision care disabilities into your practice helps identify subtle signs that may impact performance in therapy, school, or home environments.

2. Common Eye Conditions in Disability Populations

The webinar highlighted conditions frequently seen in children and adults with disabilities, including:

  • Refractive errors such as myopia and hyperopia
  • Visual processing differences
  • Functional vision challenges impacting motor skills and learning

Understanding these conditions allows therapists and educators to tailor interventions, adapt environments, and collaborate effectively with vision specialists, improving outcomes for those with vision care disabilities.

3. Supporting Vision Across Disciplines

Beyond diagnosis, Dr. Martin offered actionable strategies for professionals:

  • Referral guidelines: Knowing when to involve an optometrist or vision specialist
  • Functional adaptations: Adjusting activities to accommodate visual processing challenges
  • Collaborative planning: Integrating vision considerations into therapy, classroom, and daily routines

By incorporating these strategies, professionals can enhance interdisciplinary care and better support individuals with vision care disabilities.

Key Takeaways for Therapists and Educators

  • Vision involves more than visual acuity; it’s a critical processing system that influences engagement with the environment.
  • Early recognition of visual challenges informs therapy goals, classroom accommodations, and adaptive strategies.
  • Collaboration with optometry specialists strengthens care plans and functional outcomes.
  • Awareness of eye conditions in disability populations helps decode behavioral and sensory cues.

Why You Should Watch the Full Webinar

The full recording expands on these insights, providing:

  • Clinical examples showing how vision challenges affect daily performance
  • Practical strategies for therapists, educators, and allied health professionals
  • Expert guidance on interdisciplinary collaboration and referrals

📺 Watch now: Optometric Care and Considerations for Individuals with Disabilities

Integrating vision care disability knowledge into practice ensures more effective support for individuals with developmental and neurological differences. Whether you are a therapist, educator, or allied health professional, this webinar is a must-watch for enhancing outcomes and improving daily function.