Yvonne Swinth, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Yvonne SwinthProfessor
Program Director
yswinth@pugetsound.edu

Biography
Dr. Swinth, has more than 25 years experience working in pediatrics, primarily school-based settings. Within the schools, she has provided therapy services for children from birth to 21 years of age, and has been involved in the development of several different programs and grants that address service delivery issues to students with disabilities. She also has completed research projects, worked on different local and national committees, and is a past chair of the School Systems Special Interest Section. 

She has mentored student research studies for more than 12 years and has extensive experience with qualitative research, single subject studies and survey research. Currently Dr. Swinth and some of her students have been researching the effectiveness and outcomes of dynamic seating in general education classrooms to support student participation. Other research interests include effective and efficient occupational therapy services in the schools, assistive technology, and service delivery options for children with disabilities. Dr. Swinth is currently completing the data analysis of a national research project that looks at issues of efficacy and efficiency of school-based practice.

Dr. Swinth has presented locally and nationally regarding issues of school-based practice for occupational therapists and has authored several chapters in books regarding OT service delivery in the schools as well as pediatric service delivery. Most recently, she authored a chapter on school-based services for Willard and Spackman’s Occupational Therapy and a chapter on services for children with severe disabilities in the new AOTA textbook for school-based therapists. Dr. Swinth is the founding editor of the Journal of Occupational Therapy In Schools and Early Intervention. 

Personal Interests
Dr. Swinth enjoys reading, crafts, outdoor activities, and spending time with her family.

Research Interests

  • Efficient, effective service delivery in the schools
  • Integrating therapy services into the school routine
  • Social skills/social participation for children with disabilities
  • Play
  • Sensory Processing/Sensory Integration
  • Integrating sensory strategies to support participation into the general education classroom (e.g., dynamic seating)

Education

1981-1984   
University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Washington
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy

1989-1991
University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
Masters of Science in Rehabilitation Medicine (Occupational Therapy Pathway)
Thesis:  Computer Technology and the Very Young Child:  A Descriptive Study of Young Children Using Computers

1992-1997   
University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
Doctor of Philosophy  (Joint program between Special Education and Rehabilitation Medicine)
Dissertation: The Meaning of Assistive Technology in the Lives of High School Students and Their Families

Certifications and Licensure

  • NBCOT
  • SIPT Certified
  • Handwriting Without Tears
  • Educational Staff Associate, Washington State
  • Washington State occupational therapy license

Courses Recently Taught

  • OT 646 Occupational Therapy
  • OT 667 Technological Adaptations
  • OT 633a & OT633b Human Performance & Adaptation
  • OT 693 and 694 (Qualitative unit)
  • Chair for student-led projects and research

Key Community and University Service

  • Support and training for local foster parents
  • University of Puget Sound IRB Committee
  • Adaptive recreation and aquatics at the YMCA

Awards and Honors

1996     WEA (Washington Education Association) Leaders in Restructuring Award, “Training to Meet Diverse Student Needs” for innovative use of assistive technology with students with disabilities

2000     American Occupational Therapy Association Service Award for work as the Education/Research Liaison for the School System’s Special Interest Section

2000     Washington Occupational Therapy Association’s Service Award for co-chairing the hospitality committee for the AOTA national conference.

2001     Washington Occupational Therapy Association’s Roster of Merit to recognize knowledge and expertise that has made a significant contribution to the advancement of occupational therapy.

2003     American Occupational Therapy Association Service Award for work as the Chairperson for the School System’s Special Interest Section

2003     American Occupational Therapy Association Jeanette Bair Writer’s Award

2004     American Occupational Therapy Association Service Award for work on the ASPIIRE Cadre

2005     Washington Occupational Therapy Association’s Roster of Merit to recognize knowledge and expertise that has made a significant contribution to the advancement of occupational therapy.

2005     Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association


Selected Publications

Book Chapters

2008     Deitz, J & Swinth, Y (2008) Accessing play through assistive technology. In D. Parham & L. Fazio, (Eds), Play in Occupational Therapy, 2nd Ed.

2008     Swinth, Y.L., & Tanta, K (2008) Play, leisure and social participation in educational settings. In D. Parham & L. Fazio, (Eds), Play in Occupational Therapy, 2nd Ed.

2009     Swinth, Y.L., (2009)  Occupational therapy evaluation and intervention related to education. In B. Crepeau, E. Cohen, & B. Schell (Eds), Willard and Spackman’s Occupational Therapy (11th Ed)

2010     Schoonover, J., Grove, R., & Swinth, Y.L. (2010). Influencing participation through assistive technology. In J. Case-Smith & J. O’Brien (Eds). Occupational Therapy for Children, 6th Ed.

2010     Swinth, Y.L.  (2010).  Occupational therapy school-based settings for children with autism spectrum disorder. In H. Miller & R. Watling (Eds). Occupational Therapy for Children with Autism (3rd Ed)

2012     Swinth, Y.L., (Submitted)  Occupational therapy evaluation and intervention related to education. In B. Crepeau, E. Cohen, & B. Schell (Eds), Willard and Spackman’s Occupational Therapy (12th Ed)

Peer-reviewed Journal Articles

2004     Swinth, Y., Chandler, B., Hanft, B., Jackson, L., & Shepherd, J. (2004). Occupational Therapy in School-Based Settings. Journal of Special Education Leadership. 17(1), 16-25.

2008     Lopez, M., & Swinth, Y. (2008). A group proprioceptive program’s effect on physical aggression in children. Journal of Occupational Therapy in Schools and Early Intervention: Innovations in Practice, Theory & Research  1(2), 147-166.

2010     Mahan, B., & Swinth, Y. (submitted) Preliminary Study of the Effectiveness of Intellitools Balance Literacy Program for Increasing Literacy Skills of Four Middle Schoolers with Cognitive Disabilities. Journal of Special Education Technology

2010     Hudson, H., & Swinth, Y.L., (2010) The role of occupational therapy in transition. Journal of Occupational Therapy in Schools and Early Intervention: Innovations in Practice, Theory & Research. 3(3). 255-267.

2011     Tomlin, G., Swinth, Y.L., & Luthman, M., (soon to be resubmitted) Considerations for Occupational Therapy Services for Children and Youth with Autism. A Metasynthesis. Part I American Journal of Occupational Therapy

Other Publications

2004     Swinth, Y.L. (Editor). Occupational Therapy Service Delivery in School Settings: Contemporary Issues and Trends. AOTA online course (also authored the following lessons:

  • Lesson 1: Policies Affecting Practice
  • Lesson 2: Applying the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework to Schools
  • Lesson 4: Assessment in School Based Settings
  • Lesson 5: The IEP and the OT Intervention Plan
  • Lesson 6: Intervention Implementation
  • Lesson 8: Documentation and Data-based Decision Making
  • Lesson 10: Case Study Application
  • Supplemental Lesson 1: Assistive Technology in the schools
  • Supplemental Lesson 8: Handwriting, Keyboarding and Literacy
  • Supplemental Lesson 9: Play/leisure Skill Development in Schools

2005     Bell, B., & Swinth, Y.L., (Sept, 2005). Defining the role of occupational therapy to support literacy development. School Systems Special Interest Quarterly 12(3).

2007     Swinth, Y., Spencer, K. C., Jackson, L. L. (2007). Occupational therapy: Effective school-based practices within a policy context. (COPSSE Document Number OP-3E). Gainesville, FL: University of Florida, Center on Personnel Studies in Special Education.

2007-pre.     Quarterly Editorials on issues related to school-based occupational therapy in the Journal of Occupational Therapy in Schools and Early Intervention: Innovations in Practice, Theory & Research

2009     Swinth, Y.L. & Muhlenhaupt, M. (2009). CE on CD - Staying Updated in School-Based Practice. AOTA CE on CD

2011     Swinth, Y.L, (2011).  CE on CD – Working with students with autism in the public schools.  AOTA CE on CD

2011     Swinth, Y.L., (in press)  Administration of Services (6 sections addressing Workload vs. Caseload, Scheduling, Documentation, Materials and Supplies, Supervision/Evaluation of Assistants and Communication with Parents) in Florida Guide for School-based Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Related Service Providers, an online resource guide

2011     Swinth, Y.L., (in press)  Assistive Technology in Florida Guide for School-based Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Related Service Providers, an online resource guide

Selected Presentations

International

1999     Swinth, Y.L. “Assistive technology, self-determination, and adolescents”, 5th European Conference for the Advancement of Assistive Technology. Dusseldorf, Germany

1999     Swinth, Y.L. “The use of computers by infants and toddlers:  A descriptive study”, 5th European Conference for the Advancement of Assistive Technology. Dusseldorf, Germany

2001     Swinth, Y.L. “Determining evidence-based practice in assistive technology service delivery through qualitative research”, Qualitative Evidence Based Practice Conference, Coventry, England.

2002     Swinth, Y.L., Tanta-Couch, K., Stewart, K. “Promoting healthy parent-child relationships for optimal childhood outcomes”.  13th World Congress of Occupational Therapists, Stockholm, Sweden

National

2008, Aug     Swinth, Y.L., “School-Based Occupational Therapy: An Update” Lexington, KY (2-day workshop)

2008     Swinth, Y.L., Shepherd, J., Frolek Clark, G. Strategies for Collaboration in School Based Practice American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference (full-day workshop)

2008     Caris, S., Luthman, M, & Swinth, Y.L., Efficacy of Two Service Delivery Models for Sensory Integration-Based Therapy in Outpatient Pediatric Occupational Therapy American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference (poster)

2008     Carlsen, I. & Swinth, Y.L., Sensory Processing and Foster Children: An Introductory Course on the Senses and How They Impact Behavior, American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference (poster)

2008     Asao, A., Swinth, Y.L., & Luthman, M. Engagement in Family Occupations: Accommodations in Families With Children With Autism, American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference (poster)

2008, Oct     Swinth, Y.L, Using Evidence to Support OT Intervention in the Schools, Chicago, IL (one day workshop)

2009     Swinth, Y.L., Shepard, J., Hanft, B., Frolek-Clark, G. The Nitty Gritty of School-Based Collaboration: What It Is and How To Do It Effectively American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference (full-day workshop)

2009     Hanft, B., Shepard, J., Swinth, Y.L., Frolek-Clark, G. Collaboration in Typical School Environments: Bringing All Partners on Board American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference (3 hour workshop)

2009     Zaitz, K. & Swinth, Y.L. Arts and Crafts: A Resource Manual for Special Education Teachers American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference (poster)

2009, June     Swinth, Y.L., “Handwriting, Keyboarding and Literacy:  The Role of the School Occupational Therapist”  Harrisburg, PA (1-day workshop)

2010     Beard, M. & Swinth, Y.L., “Pediatrician Knowledge and Opinions of Occupational Therapy:  A Pilot Study. American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference (poster)

2010     Swinth, Y.L., “Using Evidence to Support OT Intervention in the Schools”  The Occupational and Physical Therapy Regional Conference, Oct 2010, Naperville, IL

2011     Swinth, Y.L., “Maximizing Student Impact; Powerful OT/PT Collaboration Strategies” Working With The Experts For Occupational And Physical Therapists.  Presented in 3 Florida cities 2/2-4/11

2011     Swinth, Y.L., & Handley-More, D., “Developing and Maintaining Competence in the Schools:  Evidence and Information Literacy. American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference (3hr Workshop)

Local

2009     Swinth, Y.L. Update on School-Based Practice, Seattle Public Schools, Jan 2009

2009     Swinth, Y.L.  Finding and Keeping Related Services Personnel, 2009 LEA Special Education Director’s Conference, PSESD, March, 2009

2010     Swinth, Y.L, & Galvin, J.  Effectiveness in School-Based Practice, Central Kitsap School District, Jan 2010

2010     Swinth, Y.L. & Galvin, J.  Effective Collaboration by Related Service Personnel for Student Success, Federal Way School District, March 2010

2010     Swinth, Y.L, Evidence-Based Strategies for Managing the Challenges of Practice in Educational Settings, Therapy in Educational Settings, 2010  Eugene, OR

2011     Swinth, Y.L., “Collaborative Practices to Enhance Student Outcomes”  Clover Park School District  12/8/2010; 2/27/2011; 4/27/2011

2011     Swinth, Y.L., & Handley-More, D., “Documentation and Data Collection that Works in the Schools”  Washington Occupational Therapy State Conference

2011     Swinth, Y.L., & Handley-More, D., “Developing and Maintaining Competence in the Schools:  Evidence and Information Literacy”  Washington Occupational Therapy State Conference