The Trump admin just ended a long-running federal survey that tracked how students move from high school to college, per reports. This follows nearly $1B in education research cuts, per reports. Critics say this erases key equity data.

Cigna’s new policy will limit reimbursement for outpatient OT and PT provided in hospital settings unless deemed medically necessary.

From NICUs to school access to stroke rehab and fall recovery, OTs help people do what matters.

The Telehealth Modernization Act would extend Medicare telehealth waivers to Sept 30, 2027. Without action, waivers end Sept 2025.

Federal funding for deafblind programs in 8 states was cut, impacting family support, training, and assistive technology access.

The DOE may cut federal special ed disparity data. Advocates say it ensures accountability as some groups face overidentification

🎒 School-based OTs look at what students need to participate. 🧠 We assess grasp, coordination, and how hands and eyes work together. ✂️ Then we match tools: scissors for easier control, guided paper, feeding aids, writing supports. Goal: access, independence, confidence.

When Homeland Security Came for Kindergarten open.substack.com/pub/jonathan...

Exercise the Power of the Purse www.nea.org/advocating-f...

OT student Lior Nissanian created a toolkit to help dentists support children with autism’s sensory needs. https://shorturl.at/8Z8CJ

Research shows people with dyslexia and ADHD learn differently in complex tasks without clear instructions. ADHD individuals struggle to update knowledge well; those with dyslexia forget info faster. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-025-00323-4

Recent research (Broström et al., 2025) links smaller brain volumes to motor challenges in preterm kids, highlighting the need for early intervention.

Early Partners preschool in New Orleans serves children aged 1 to 5, combining play-based learning with data tracking to prepare kids for kindergarten. The school boasts a 100% kindergarten readiness rate, https://shorturl.at/eiRqy

15% Cut to the Department of Education

The Big Beautiful Bill would have a significant impact on OT. Medicaid cuts risk OT access and ending Graduate PLUS loans may reduce new therapists entering the field. https://shorturl.at/ukslK

Trump's 2026 budget cuts Education Dept funding by 15% https://shorturl.at/Vwqqz

ABC reports Kilmar Abrego Garcia is being returned to the United States abcnews.go.com/US/mistakenl...

Hot off the presses (Is that a thing people still say or am I dating myself?). Five of the Biggest Publishing Stories of this past May: New imprints, Frey ❤️ AI, a Beast of a Deal, book-banning b*stards, and a Jeep+Publishing collab I didn't see coming. #WritingCommunity #WriterSky #PublishingWatch

Assistive tech like AR and iPads boost learning for SEND students, but broader research and access are needed https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1523797/full

After-school programs are vital for students & families but face cuts. We must protect and support them! https://shorturl.at/kxrqs

Boys start kindergarten less prepared than girls, facing challenges due to higher academic demands and slower development. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/31/upshot/boys-struggling-kindergarten-school.html

Trump cuts $2.75B Digital Equity Act, calling it "racist." Millions of students, seniors, vets & rural families will lose internet access support. https://shorturl.at/KijUW

AI can support neurodiverse learners by providing tailored, adaptive tools that improve engagement and outcomes, creating more inclusive classrooms. https://www.eschoolnews.com/innovative-teaching/2025/05/23/empowering-neurodiverse-learners-with-ai-driven-solutions/

Colorado joins many states in starting universal dyslexia screenings to better support students with dyslexia early on. https://www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/2025/05/23/polis-signs-dyslexia-screening-bill-into-law/

High school students used 3D printing to design adaptive tools for iPad for individuals with disabilities. https://www.secondwavemedia.com/concentrate/features/saline-manufacturing-students-create-adaptive-tools-to-help-people-with-disabilities.aspx

It’s a preliminary injunction, but good news for now. www.npr.org/2025/05/22/n...

Taylor Carty, who has cerebral palsy, fights to remove barriers in medical education for people with disabilities, pushing for inclusive policies and equal access to becoming doctors. https://www.npr.org/2025/05/15/nx-s1-5272736/doctor-disability-medical-field

UNICEF is expanding access to assistive tech, helping nearly 930,000 children with disabilities in 90+ countries thrive and participate fully. https://www.unicef.org/supply/assistive-technologies

A new University at Buffalo–led study highlights how artificial intelligence–powered handwriting analysis could become a valuable early screening tool for dyslexia and dysgraphia in children. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-key-dyslexia-early-ai-powered.html

The Supreme Court debated Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship for some immigrant children and whether judges can block federal policies nationwide. The ruling will affect immigration law and education funding. https://shorturl.at/91RIc

Mobile tech visual supports boost kids’ independence and ease transitions by offering clear, engaging cues, key to inclusive learning and UDL. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10962506231195900

The Trump admin's plans to close Dept. of Ed and shift special ed to HHS, risks less oversight and cuts for 7.5M disabled students. IEPs remain, but reduced federal enforcement may result in fewer supports. https://lnkd.in/exxZEppV

New research shows whole-body movement boosts executive function in children with autism. Movement breaks work in-person or via telehealth and can enhance therapy and learning. https://lnkd.in/eMus45QP

Your weekly reminder that according to the United States government, a dozen large eggs are averaging $6.23, up from $4.15 in December, 2024, Biden’s last full month in office.

I create resources to support students, parents, teachers, and therapists. I invite you to check out my updated site and see what’s new. Thank you for being part of this growing community! www.wynterot.com

April 30th is Assistive Technology Awareness Day! As a school OT, I see how AT—from slant boards to text-to-speech—helps students access learning and boosts independence. I use these tools myself and know how much they matter. Grateful for AT and the doors it opens for everyone!

We already know what happens when the Trump administration targets people. The smear machine kicks into high gear. Judge Hannah Dugan is a former Milwaukee Bar Association president and “spent a large swath of her career working for the poor and vulnerable.” www.jsonline.com/story/news/c...

Head Start gives kids and families support that is difficult to get elsewhere. As a school OT, I see its impact every day. Cutting funding would hurt our most vulnerable, and early intervention saves money in the long run. We can’t afford to lose this. #headstart #OT

Unfortunately, this will happen more often as many attorneys were fired after the Trump administration took over.

Building connections is vital for our happiness! OTs work closely with clients to enhance social skills, identify community resources, and create opportunities for meaningful interactions.. #OT

This is a sad day for the future of science in the US. The loss of these skilled individuals will have ripple effects that impact research and innovation for decades to come.

As a school-based OT, I help students build skills through meaningful activities. This Earth Day, I’m adding conversations about conservation while also working on fine motor skill development to empower students to care for our planet. #OT # Earth Day www.wynterot.com/copy-of-gras...

Leisure activities are what we do for fun and relaxation! Whether it’s gardening, dancing, or crafting, OTPs help clients explore options that resonate with their interests and abilities. #OT

Play is essential for both kids and adults! For children, it supports development and social skills. OTPs help by adapting activities or suggesting new hobbies that fit their abilities and interests—ensuring everyone can enjoy the benefits of play! #OT

Work provides a sense of purpose, stability, and social interaction. OTPs work collaboratively with clients to identify barriers to employment or job performance, offering interventions that promote skills development, workplace accommodations, and strategies for a successful return to work.#OT

Exciting news!!! For the first time since 2019, the Edgar Symposium will be IN PERSON!! Visit this link for all the details about the symposium, the Edgar Awards banquet and the hotel: mysterywriters.org/2025-edgar-a... #edgars2025

Learning is a lifelong journey! OTs provide tailored strategies that support clients in overcoming obstacles, whether it’s finding focus in class or balancing coursework with other responsibilities. They inspire learners to keep growing and discovering new passions. #OT

Getting enough quality rest is essential for feeling our best! OTs help clients develop healthy sleep habits. They might suggest creating a calming bedtime routine, optimizing the sleep environment, or trying relaxation techniques to ensure they get the restorative sleep they need to thrive. #OT

Health management includes actions to maintain physical and mental well-being, such as following medication routines. OTs support and guide clients, helping them take charge of their health. #OT