Michelle Silverman, OTD, OTR, ATP

Michelle Silverman, OTD, OTR, ATP is an Education Consultant for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction with a focus on occupational therapy, physical therapy and assistive technology. She has 30 years of clinical and supervisory experience in schools, pediatric clinics, and at the university level. Michelle led students and programming as the director of the Assistive Technology and Accessible Design Certificate program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Michelle presents at the state and national level on topics related to interdisciplinary practice, advocacy, clinical practice and guiding districts and therapists towards implementing best practice as it relates to occupational therapy, physical therapy and assistive technology in schools.

• • • Artificial Intelligence in Special Education
    • Assistive Technology
    • School-based Practice

Silverman, M., Higbie, C. (2025) “DPI Hot Topics 2025 “Best Practices and Ethical Considerations for School-Based Service Delivery” Presentation at WI School -Based OT/PT Conference, Virtual November.

Silverman, M., White, K. And Jermyn, B. (2025) “Assistive Technology in the IEP”
Presentation at WI School -Based OT/PT Conference, Virtual November.

Merth-Johnson, D. & Silverman, M. (2025). “Empowering Student Learning Through
Assistive Technology, Augmentative and Alternative Communication and Artificial
Intelligence”. Presentation at WI School -Based OT/PT Conference, Virtual November.

Merth-Johnson, D. & Silverman, M. (2025). “Role of OT and PT in Addressing Feeding and Swallowing in Schools”. Presentation at WI School -Based OT/PT Conference, Virtual November.

Merth-Johnson, D., Silverman, M., Peerenboom, T., & VanDenEng, J. (2025). “Best Practices for Addressing Mental Health and Self-Regulation within MLSS and IEP Supports”. Presentation at CESA 11, Turtle Lake, WI

Merth-Johnson, D., Silverman, M. & Kubinski, E. (2025). “Collective Responsibility in Special Education”. Presentation at Wisconsin FACETS, Virtual October.

Merth-Johnson, D., Silverman, M., Bibler, J., Ogorek, M., Jones, B. & Buchenauer, A. (2025). “Improving State Outcome Indicators: Inclusive Practices for Early Childhood Success”. Presentation at State Superintendent’s Leadership Conference, Wisconsin Dells, WI.

Merth-Johnson, D., Silverman, M., Peerenboom, T., & VanDenEng, J. (2025). “Harnessing AI in Special Education: Empowering Educators and Enhancing Learning”. Presentation at State Superintendent’s Leadership Conference, Wisconsin Dells, WI (October).

Merth-Johnson, D. & Silverman, M. (2025). “Addressing Feeding and Swallowing in Schools”. Presentation at Wisconsin FACETS, Virtual September.

Merth-Johnson, D. & Silverman, M. (2025). “Empowerment Through Collaboration:
Leveraging Assistive Technology for Limitless Possibilities.” Presentation at WI Facets Endless Possibilities Conference, Waukesha, WI.

Merth-Johnson, D., Silverman, M., White, K., Plummer, L. (2024). “Moving Assistive
Technology Forward Statewide”. Presentation at Closing The Gap, Minneapolis, MN.
Merth-Johnson, D. & Silverman, M. (2024). “Concepts of Change in Related Services”.
Presentation at CESA 11, Turtle Lake, WI.

Peerenboom, T., Parker, D., Merth-Johnson, D. & Silverman, M. (2024). “Virtual Special Education Services”. Presentation at Wisconsin FACETS, Virtual September.
Silverman, M., Higbie, C. & Merth-Johnson, D. (2024-2025). “New to Schools Bootcamp for SLPs, OTs and PTs”. Virtual series presented statewide to related service providers.

Higbie, C. Silverman, M. (2024) “DPI Hot Topics 2025” Presentation at WI School -Based OT/PT Conference, Virtual November.

Silverman, M. K., School Based OT/PT Conference, “Assistive Technology Round Table Presenter,” Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. (November 4, 2021).

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2024). Assistive technology devices and services in occupational therapy practice. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 78(Suppl. 1), 7810410130. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2024.78S106 (Authors: Lang, M.,Silverman, M, Lenker, J, Hamlin, E., Smith, R.O.)