VIDBE-Q 2026 Volume 71 Issue 2
services, each TSVI/O&M specialist could serve 18 students. In the past, TSVIs,
O&M specialists, and dual-certified professionals have consistently reported
serving caseloads of 1-100 students; and over time, the average caseload has been
approximately 20 students (Hebert & Savaiano, 2021; Meador, 2015; Zebehazy et
al., 2023). While the number of students served is an important figure, it does not
capture all of what a TSVI and/or O&M specialist must do to meet student needs.
However, a workload approach accounts for not only the number of
students, but also their supplementary needs and the additional work (or job
responsibilities) needed to meet those needs (AOTA/APTA/ASHA, 2014; Wilton,
2017). In recent years, researchers and professional groups have advocated for a
workload approach, rather than a caseload approach, as this accounts for the full
range of a TSVI's and/or O&M specialist's responsibilities, such as materials
preparation, travel, and meetings (AOTA/APTA/ASHA, 2014; Ericson et al.,
2024). However, most researchers have considered caseloads, rather than
workloads. Therefore, we asked:
1. What job responsibilities did TSVIs, O&M specialists, and dual-certified
professionals report engaging in during the 2023-2024 school year?
2. What workload factors were associated with professionals' perceptions of
manageability?
Method
14
