Educators' Perceived Role of Occupational Therapy in Secondary Transition

The purpose of this study was to gain information regarding special educators' perceptions of occupational therapy's role in secondary transition planning in the state of Arkansas. Non-experimental design, using survey methodology with open-ended questions, was used to explore participants' responses to the topic. Forty-one participants who attended a statewide transition conference completed the survey over a two year period. Using exploratory analysis, the responses were examined for common constructs and reported quantitatively. Limited involvement of occupational therapy in secondary transition services was reported but respondents seemed to be fairly knowledgeable of the possible roles of occupational therapy in this area. In addition, the participants were receptive to the possibility of the inclusion of occupational therapy in the process. The results provide implications and possibilities for future growth in this area of practice.