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PhillyGirl
LIF Adolescent
Member since 8/09 890 total posts
Name:
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How hard is it to get an occupational therapist?
My DS qualified for OT through EI over a month ago and we still haven't gotten an occupational therapist. The agency tells me it is difficult to get one. Has anyone else had this much trouble? I am starting to worry he will never get his OT services. If anyone has any advice, please share. Thanks!
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Posted 8/31/12 4:20 PM  |
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pharmcat2000
Mom of 2 + 1
Member since 10/05 7395 total posts
Name:
Catherine
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Re: How hard is it to get an occupational therapist?
I had no trouble. Where are you located? What agency are you using? Perhaps the agency you're using does not have many with free slots. I know mine has openings now that DD is discharged from her.  She's fabulous too!
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| Posted 9/1/12 12:27 AM |
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lvdolphins
My Loves!
Member since 5/05 46292 total posts
Name:
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Re: How hard is it to get an occupational therapist?
My DD just ended EI as well.
Try a bunch of different agencys.
Our OT was through Tender Age.
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| Posted 9/1/12 12:54 PM |
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A3CM
Avatar Title
Member since 9/08 3762 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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How hard is it to get an occupational therapist?
our OT was an independent contractor, she was FABULOUS... change agencies if they havent found someone yet, or is it the times that you need they cant fill?
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| Posted 9/1/12 6:33 PM |
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PhillyGirl
LIF Adolescent
Member since 8/09 890 total posts
Name:
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Re: How hard is it to get an occupational therapist?
I don't want to switch agencies right now because DS gets 20 hours per week of therapy through this agency, and we have been happy with the therapists. I am afraid that switching agencies might mess all of that up. Does anyone know if it's possible to find my own OT and still have it covered by EI?
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| Posted 9/2/12 2:18 PM |
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iluvmynutty
Mom to E&M
Member since 12/08 1762 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: How hard is it to get an occupational therapist?
Posted by PhillyGirl
I don't want to switch agencies right now because DS gets 20 hours per week of therapy through this agency, and we have been happy with the therapists. I am afraid that switching agencies might mess all of that up. Does anyone know if it's possible to find my own OT and still have it covered by EI?
I'm an OT and many of the children I work with have providers from multiple Agencies. It is rare to have all the providers from the same agency. Call your EIOD/Service Coordinator.
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| Posted 9/2/12 4:42 PM |
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Coosie
So in love with my little boy!
Member since 1/10 1889 total posts
Name:
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How hard is it to get an occupational therapist?
You can have the OT come from a different agency and it won't affect your current services at all. Your service coordinator should be looking to other agencies to fill this ASAP rather then trying the same OT's over and over again just from their agency. Having therapists come from different agencies is actually common practice. If you find your own OT, it is fine, however, they need to be contracted with EI, either independently or thru an agency. I'm an EI service coordinator, so I can tell you that finding OT's can be difficult - in some areas more than others. There never seems to be enough of them. However, now that a lot of kids have aged out as of 8/31, there should be more avail. This is all providing your schedule is somewhat flexible
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| Posted 9/7/12 9:05 PM |
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A3CM
Avatar Title
Member since 9/08 3762 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: How hard is it to get an occupational therapist?
Posted by PhillyGirl
I don't want to switch agencies right now because DS gets 20 hours per week of therapy through this agency, and we have been happy with the therapists. I am afraid that switching agencies might mess all of that up. Does anyone know if it's possible to find my own OT and still have it covered by EI?
all your therapists do NOT need to come from one agency.
we used for OT an ind contractor
speech from LV
ABA from MKS
your service coordinator should be doing this.
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| Posted 9/8/12 7:18 AM |
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Domino
Always My Miracle
Member since 9/05 9923 total posts
Name:
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Re: How hard is it to get an occupational therapist?
we had three different ABA therapists from three different agencies so I could get the schedule I wanted.
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| Posted 9/8/12 1:48 PM |
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dpli
Daylight savings :)
Member since 5/05 13973 total posts
Name:
D
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How hard is it to get an occupational therapist?
OTs are in high demand and have been for a while. When my DS first qualified 2 years ago, it took us a month or longer to find someone. Try other agencies.
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| Posted 9/11/12 10:00 PM |
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CrankyPants
I'm cranky
Member since 7/06 18178 total posts
Name:
Mama Cranky
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Re: How hard is it to get an occupational therapist?
I would definitely look at other agencies just for OT. Also, isn't there a time limit within which services must start so your case worker should also be looking for you (at least that is how it is here in NC).
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| Posted 9/15/12 1:26 AM |
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PregowithTwins
My boys turned 8
Member since 5/11 2451 total posts
Name:
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How hard is it to get an occupational therapist?
We are in process of trying to get an OT also. I was also told it's very difficult. I requested PT 3xs a week if we can't get OT. That should start in the next week or so.
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| Posted 9/21/12 9:10 PM |
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pharmcat2000
Mom of 2 + 1
Member since 10/05 7395 total posts
Name:
Catherine
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Re: How hard is it to get an occupational therapist?
Where are you located? Our OT has hours available, as some of her kids transitioned to preschool.
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| Posted 9/22/12 8:02 AM |
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