Each year, during the month of April, we have the opportunity to express our appreciation to our outstanding AAPS occupational therapy practitioners for the significant health and wellness work they provide as integral members of our Special Education and AAPS school teams.  

The National Theme for 2023 is: Occupational Therapy Brings Possibilities to Life. Our AAPS school-based occupational therapists enable students to live life to its fullest every day by helping them promote health and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness or disability. Common occupational therapy interventions may include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations or helping students recover from injury to regain cognitive and physical skills. 

Occupational therapists have a holistic perspective, taking the full picture into account - the psychological, physical, emotional and social factors impacting the students they serve.  They focus on adapting the environment and/or task to fit the individual and assist them in:

• Achieving goals and functioning at the highest possible level

• Concentrating on what matters most to them

• Maintaining or rebuilding their independence

• Participating in the everyday activities they need to do or that simply make life enjoyable

We join AAPS students, staff and families in celebrating AAPS occupational therapists for their tremendous role in empowering our students every day in achieving personal, school and life success.

Thank you, AAPS occupational therapists!

Jeanice Kerr Swift
Superintendent of Schools
Ann Arbor Public Schools