An Occupation and Participation Approach to Reading Intervention (OPARI) part II: Pilot clinical application

ABSTRACT: The Occupation and Participation Approach to Reading Intervention (OPARI) is an intervention approach for children with reading difficulties that emphasizes reading as an important occupation of children. Part I presented the theoretical basis of the OPARI. Part II describes a pilot clinical application of the OPARI. Guided by Schkade and Schultz’s Occupational Adaptation model (OA; 2003) and blended with principles from the Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance treatment approach (CO-OP; Polatajko & Mandich, 2004) the essential elements of the OPARI were actualized in an 8-week intervention program. The program included small group and individual therapy sessions twice a week and therapist-teacher-parent collaborations. Five children participated and were evaluated using three standardized assessments of reading, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and a descriptive measure of reading participation. Qualitative data from parent reading log journals, teacher communications, and classroom observations were also gathered. Results indicated nonsignificant increases in reading scores, significant increases in perceived performance and satisfaction with reading participation as measured by the COPM, and descriptive increases in children’s participation, mastery, and frequency in reading.