Occupational Therapy Practitioners: Essential Partners in School Emergency Management Planning

Presenter

Mary Schmitz

OTD, OT/L, ECHM

Learner Outcomes

1. Analyze the specific requirements of the amended Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) § 15-341 and the implications for school-based emergency preparedness planning.
2. Identify and reflect upon unique opportunities for occupational therapy practitioners in emergency management on behalf of students and other personnel with exceptional needs in their district.
3. Develop foundational knowledge enabling collaborative frameworks between Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP), emergency responders, and all district personnel.
4. Expand knowledge of outside resources to support comprehensive implementation and knowledge translation.

Abstract

This interactive presentation addresses a critical gap in school emergency preparedness that has emerged since the 2023 amendment to the ARS § 15-341. Emergency response plans must now specifically address the recommended assistance and means of communication essential for the safety of students with access and functional/exceptional needs. Let this unprecedented opportunity serve as a call to action that will prepare Occupational Therapy Practitioners to demonstrate their value and expand their impact in school-based practice! Occupational Therapy Practitioners already possess expertise in functional assessment, individualized intervention planning, environmental adaptations, and positive behavioral trauma-informed strategies which positions them as essential partners for developing comprehensive compliant emergency management protocols that ensure the inclusivity and safety of all.

Biography

Having been a school-based practitioner in Arizona, Nevada, and Ohio, Mary also serves as co-facilitator of the AOTA Emergency and Disaster Management Community of Practice, and volunteers with the Mohave County Medical Reserve Corps., American Red Cross, and serves as Secretary of the Bullhead City Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

References to support evidence-based practice

1. Arizona Department of Education. (n.d.). Welcome to the school preparedness webpage! Retrieved from https://www.azed.gov/wellness/sep
2. American Institutes for Research. (n.d.). Family guide - Talking with your child’s school about preventing and addressing school violence. Retrieved from
   https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/sites/default/files/NCSSLE_Family_Guide_Preventing_Violence.pdf
3. American Occupational Therapy Association. (n.d.). Disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Retrieved from https://www.aota.org/practice/clinical-topics/disaster-preparedness
4. Arizona Revised Statutes § 15-341 (2023).
5. Arizona State Senate. (6 February, 2023). Fact sheet for S.B. 1315. Retrieved from https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/56leg/1R/summary/S.1315ED.DOCX.htm