Corry Higher Education Council

Presented by Jessica Roach, OTR/L, of Bridging Roots Therapy – a mobile pediatric occupational therapy practice.

As an occupational therapist, Jessica specializes in therapy to help the eyes work together so children can read and write more efficiently. Vision is not just “20/20”.

Learn about Occupational Therapy and Functional Vision Rehabilitation services for children in this information session with Occupational Therapist, Jessica Roach. During the session, participants learn about the services provided by Bridging Roots Therapy, indicators of visual challenges in children, how therapy can help, and much more. *Please note, occupational therapy will not be provided during the information session but will inform participants about available services.

Functional Vision Rehabilitation refers to the entire visual system, including the eyes, brain, and visual pathways. The program promotes improved eye movements, how the eyes work together and how a child processes the visual environment around them to improve independence and successful completion of daily childhood occupations, such as reading, writing, ball skills and moving around in their environment safely. OT’s utilize tools such as balance boards, spinning discs, games, straws, etc. within the context of occupation-based activities and play to support the highest level of achievement and learning.

Bridging Roots Therapy also addresses primitive reflexes, which are automatic movements present at birth that should integrate into more complex motor skills as a child grows. Primitive reflexes play an important role in early childhood development, and many reflexes are involved in the development of visual, motor, and sensory skills. However, when these reflexes persist, they can lead to retained primitive reflexes, disrupting normal development. Primitive reflexes may also have an impact on vision. If the reflexes do not integrate to higher-level skills, they can affect how the eyes move and work together, leading to various visual issues.

Jessica has a master’s degree in occupational therapy and has been practicing Occupational Therapy for 21 years. She has worked in a variety of settings, such as private pediatric practice for vision and sensory difficulties, skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation centers and school-based settings, both virtual and in-person. Her passion is working with children, specifically in the area of functional vision skills. When she is not working, Jessica enjoys gardening, puzzles and spending time with family and friends. To learn more about Bridging Roots Therapy, please visit www.bridgingrootstherapy.com.

This information session will be held on August 27, 2026, from 6p-7p at the Corry Higher Education Council. The information session is free to attend, but registration is required by visiting www.corryhied.org or by calling 814-664-9405.