Confident Practice in Ohio Schools: DEW Updates and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Course Description

School-based occupational therapy practitioners play a vital role in supporting student access, participation, and functional skill development across educational environments. This session will provide updated information from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW), including recent policy shifts, upcoming initiatives, and key areas of guidance affecting service delivery in Ohio schools. In addition to sharing statewide updates, the session will address frequently asked questions submitted by school occupational therapists throughout the year. Participants will gain clarity on commonly misunderstood topics, strengthen their understanding of current requirements, and leave better equipped to navigate issues that arise in daily practice. Ample time will be provided for discussion to ensure practitioners walk away with practical, applicable information.

Speakers

Bernadette Laughlin is the Related Services Specialist at the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce, where she brings together years of hands‑on experience as a school‑based speech‑language pathologist with the legal know‑how she gained as a special education attorney. She loves helping educators and service providers feel confident, supported, and equipped to do their best work for students.

Bernadette is an engaging presence at state and national conferences, where she enjoys swapping ideas, sharing practical insights, and connecting with others who care deeply about special education. She earned her BS and MA from The Ohio State University and her JD from Capital University Law School.

She stays plugged in through her involvement with ASHA, the Council of Administrators of Special Education, the State Education Agencies Council for Communication Disabilities and the National Coalition for Personnel Shortages in Special Education and Related Services. Colleagues know her for her upbeat approach, collaborative style, and genuine passion for strengthening services for students and the professionals who support them

Content Level

Intermediate: This level assumes the audience has general familiarity with the literature and professional practice. The focus of the presentation is on increased understanding and application by the participants.

Practice Areas

Professional Issues