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  6. Birth to Settled Adulthood Occupational Therapy Service information: easy-read

Birth to Settled Adulthood Occupational Therapy Service information: easy-read

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapists help children and young people do everyday activities safely and independently at home. 

Service Information and profile of need

Who can refer? 

Two teenagers smiling

Young people aged 16 and over can refer themselves.

A mother and child wave to camera

Parent or legal guardian.

People holding books, sat at desks and in discussion with 'college' text

Education settings.

Three professionals with lanyards and in uniform, one recognisable as a nurse

Health or social care professionals.

House with a garage and driveway

Housing services.

We can work with children and young people (aged 0-18 years) who: 

Child smiling in a wheelchair

Have a disability or health condition that makes everyday activities difficult 

Child and a teenager with an arrow demonstrating transition

Have a condition that will not go away, or may get worse over time.

Dorset Council logo

Live in the Dorset Council area.

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Have autism, ADHD, or another similar condition, or are waiting for an assessment.

Person using assistive technology communication aid

Have a learning disability and go to a special school, or may need a special school.

Bar of soap

These conditions make daily activities difficult.

For example:

  • washing
  • dressing
  • toileting
  • bathing
  • sleeping
  • moving around the home

Why refer? 

Person in a pink wheelchair, smiling

We look at how the child's condition and home affect what they can do independently.

We look at: 

Person in a wheelchair, smiling

Mobility

Getting in and out of the home, using steps or stairs.

An adult making a sandwich with a small child

Seating

Posture, feeding and play 

Showerhead with lines representing water

Bathing and showering

Getting into and using the bathroom safely.

White toilet with black seat

Toileting and changing

Access to the toilet and changing.

Person in a wheelchair holding maracas

Moving and handling

Safe lifting for the child or young person and carers. 

Person lying in bed wearing a pink robe

Sleeping

Getting in and out of bed and care tasks. 

Important note: 

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If the main concern is about behaviour or sensory needs, please speak to your paediatrician about support from a specialist service. 

After an assessment has been completed

We may:
Hoist on wheels

Provide specialist equipment.

An accessible shower room

Recommend changes to your home to make daily life easier and safer. 

We do not:

Red cross

We cannot repair homes or gardens.

Other details

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If placed in Dorset by another council, that council is responsible for Occupational Therapy needs.

Dorset Council logo

If living with relatives under a special guardianship, Dorset Countil is responsible.

Row of houses

If a child lives in two homes, equipment may be provided for both homes.

House with a garage and driveway

Home adaptations can only be provided for the child's main home. 

Specialist equipment referrals

Wheelchair

If you need an assessment for a wheelchair or specialist buggy you can contact Dorset Wheelchair Services.

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01202 892874.

You can also contact your GP. 

Person with a telephone headset and a signpost graphic reading 'support, help, advice'

If an assessment for a sleep system or standing frame is needed you can contact your physiotherapist at the Child Development Centre (CDC). 

Dorchester CDC: 01305 254744     
Poole CDC: 0300 0192011

'i' symbol representing information

Find more information on the SEND Local Offer website.

SEND Local Offer - Dorset Council