Integrating Occupational Therapy Perspectives on Executive Function Development in UDL Curriculum Design

Associate Professor Lu Ming has more than 30 years of research and practical experience in early childhood education, preschool special education and early intervention. She is committed to inclusive education and creating learning environments where children of different abilities can grow together. Her translations of university-level early childhood education textbooks include Preschool Inclusive Education Curriculum Framework, which is based on Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

She holds a PhD from the University of South Carolina and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Early Childhood and Family Education at National Taipei University of Education, where she has also served as department chair. Her research covers preschool inclusive education, early intervention and family support, learning and intervention for children with special educational needs, and technology-assisted learning in special education.

Professor Lu has participated in educational policy consultation and professional service, including advisory work on preschool special education and early intervention, teacher qualification examination development, and kindergarten evaluation. She has also delivered professional development for preschool educators and special education support personnel, covering Individualised Education Plans (IEPs), curriculum and instructional adaptations, and inclusive curriculum design.

She believes inclusive communities grow through the sharing of diverse knowledge, experiences and perspectives, and advocates educational environments built on kindness, acceptance, respect and empathy.

Nana Chen Xin Na is an occupational therapist who graduated from the Department of Occupational Therapy at Fu Jen Catholic University. She currently serves as an itinerant therapist supporting schools in New Taipei City and outlying islands, collaborates with preschool special education service sites in New Taipei City, and contributes to preschool assessment training.

She previously worked as an occupational therapist at Hao Shi Guang Occupational and Speech Therapy Clinic (好莳光职能语言治疗所). Her experience also includes rural long-term-care outreach, home-based and community therapy in New Taipei City, and occupational therapy services at rehabilitation and hospital settings. She has provided pre-service and in-service training for care workers and collaborated with care and community organisations as an educator.

In child development and family support, her areas of practice include attention, executive functions and emotional regulation; parent consultation and family education; daily living skills and problem-solving; community adaptation, travel skills and social participation; and preparation for future vocational roles.

In educational settings, she provides professional training and practical support for teachers and early childhood practitioners, helping them understand children’s behaviour, adapt learning environments and strengthen participation among children with additional support needs. Her wider practice also covers functional support and everyday living skills for older adults and persons with disabilities.