The Pro Bono Occupational Therapy Programme aims to empower families by guiding them through the vital first step of truly understanding their child’s unique needs. We are committed to offering free Occupational Therapy assessments and the following Occupational Therapy sessions as a crucial first step in helping children. An Occupational Therapy assessment highlights the areas where a child may need support, serving as a critical first step in their developmental journey. Occupational Therapy assessments can range from hundreds to even almost a thousand dollar, making them unaffordable for many parents seeking help for their child. We provide this for free, in our Pro Bono programme, as this is essential for children who need it.

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Pro Bono Occupational Therapy Porgramme

Duration:  6 free Occupational therapy sessions per child, depending on the situation.

•Before start of sessions: Initial interview with parents to discuss their concerns for the child.

•Session 1: Assessment of the child at home or at the organization’s venue.                           (Usual Therapist fee rate fo assessment: $200, fee is waivered)

•Session 2: Assessment in the school environment, when applicable.

(Usual Therapist fee rate for assessement: $200, fee is waivered)

•Session 3: Parent consultation to review the assessment findings and discuss recommended strategies.

•Session 4:  Part 1 for Family coaching on how to work with the child using Occupational Therapy strategies. (Usual Therapist fee rate for an OT session : $180 - $200, fee is waivered) 

•Session 5: Part 2 for Family coaching on how to work with the child using Occupational Therapy strategies. (Usual Therapist fee rate for an OT session : $180 - $200, fee is waivered) 

•Session 6: Joint consultation with parents and teachers to discuss on the implemented strategies and plan for additional support. (Usual Therapist fee rate: $180 - $200, fee is waivered) 

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It can be found online that these are the standard rates for Occupational Therapy services. By waiving these fees, our Pro Bono Occupational Therapy Program can help parents save up to $1,000. We are proud to offer this support because we believe it’s essential for families to access this critical first step. Families are not obligated to continue services with us after completing the Pro Bono Occupational Therapy Program, though many choose to due to the positive impact.

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Lack of access to therapy due to financial constraints can be unfortunate, as early intervention through assessment is a vital step in identifying and addressing developmental challenges. This process lays the groundwork for a child’s success in both academic and social environments. Occupational Therapy assessments provide valuable insight for families and educators, helping them understand the foundational support a child needs to thrive. For example, if a child is struggling to keep up with school and fully engage in classroom activities, a comprehensive OT assessment can identify these learning difficulties. The resulting Occupational Therapy Report can offer schools specific recommendations, such as accommodations to help the child stay on track during lessons and exams.

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This proactive approach not only helps to remove barriers to their growth but also empowers families and educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to create nurturing environments tailored to each child's unique needs. This is a critical first step in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

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Key Elements of the Occupational Therapy Assessment:

​Our Occupational Therapy assessment evaluates various aspects based on the PEO (Person-Environment-Occupation) model, which focuses on understanding the dynamic relationship between the child (person), their environment, and the activities they engage in (occupation). Specifically, we assess:

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The Individual: We conduct standardized and clinical observations, when applicable, of the child’s skills. Areas assessed may include gross motor, fine motor, executive functioning, social skills, play skills, cognitive skills, visual skills, and more.

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The Home and School Environment: We assess the social and physical factors influencing the child's daily life. This includes the supportive roles of those around them, the layout of their environment, and the activities they engage in. Our goal is to help create an optimal environment for the child's growth and success.

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The results of the assessment are compiled into a report, which includes recommendations for further actions. This report can be shared with the child’s pediatrician, school, other healthcare clinicians, and social workers to ensure a cohesive approach to support the child’s needs.

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Our aim is that, through these assessments, families and teachers will gain a deeper understanding of the child’s needs, allowing them to pursue the right kind of additional support. We offer up to six sessions, when applicable, to ensure we can assist as many children as possible with this important first step. If the family is unable to find a suitable therapy service provider for further support, we will endeavor to offer follow-up support through teletherapy, depending on the therapist’s availability.

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We believe that by working together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of children who need it most. 

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To reach out, please fill in the enquiry form. You can also follow the pro bono work of Occupational Therapist Nur Smits on her vlogs and watch vidoes of her Occupational below:

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1) Session video: Occupational Therapist Nur Smits helps a child with Autistic traits to engage and play. 

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