Nov 3 / Guest blogger and occupational therapist, Dr. Jacquelyn Swackhamer, OTD

Learning in Motion: Why Literacy Matters to Occupational Therapy

Welcome to guest blogger and OT Dr. Jacquelyn Swackhamer, OTD

Did you know that literacy is more than just reading and writing? It plays an important role in a child's ability to participate in everyday activities. In this Just for OT blog, Dr. Jacquelyn Swackhamer explores the connection between literacy and occupational therapy, highlighting how motor skills, sensory processing, and multisensory learning approaches can support student participation and success in the classroom.
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When people think about literacy intervention, they often think of teachers, reading specialists, or speech-language pathologists. However, literacy is also an important area of occupational therapy because reading and writing are foundational occupations of childhood. Students rely on literacy skills to participate in learning, follow routines, complete assignments, communicate with others, and engage in daily school activities. When challenges with motor skills, sensory processing, attention, visual skills, or self-regulation interfere with these tasks, a student's ability to participate successfully in school can be impacted. Occupational therapists help address these barriers, so students can access and engage in meaningful educational experiences.

Reading is a highly complex process that requires the integration of visual, auditory, language, motor, and executive functioning systems. For many neurodiverse learners, including students with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, developmental delays, and sensory processing differences, these systems may not work together efficiently. This is where occupational therapy can make a difference. By supporting sensory regulation, postural control, visual tracking, attention, and participation, OTs help build the foundation students need to succeed during literacy activities.

Multisensory learning approaches further enhance literacy participation by engaging multiple pathways in the brain through movement, touch, visual supports, and hands-on experiences. Collaboration between OTs, teachers, and other educational team members can help create meaningful, engaging literacy opportunities that meet students where they are and support success in natural learning environments. Ultimately, literacy is more than an academic skill. It is a pathway to participation, independence, self-advocacy, and lifelong learning, making it a meaningful and valuable area of occupational therapy practice.

Guest Writer

Jackie Swackhamer is a dedicated occupational therapist with over 17 years of experience empowering children with significant support needs to thrive. She has worked across a variety of settings, including schools, residential centers, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home health. Her passion lies in helping students build independence and confidence through meaningful life skills that enhance their daily participation and performance. Equally important to her is supporting fellow occupational therapy practitioners—she enjoys sharing practical tools, evidence-based strategies, and inspiration to help others make a lasting impact in their practice. Jackie is committed to creating more opportunities for success for both students and practitioners alike.

Making Functional Skills Meaningful Through Literacy and UDL

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