Occupational and Physical Therapy

School-based Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) focus on increasing a student’s level of independence in the school setting.

When provided as part of an IEP, Occupational or Physical Therapy must relate to specific educational outcomes. OT and PT services provided in the school setting assist the student in meeting instructional goals and objectives in the least restrictive environment.

Occupational and Physical Therapy services can also be provided as part of a section 504 plan for a student who is not on an IEP but who has a disability that negatively impacts his or her ability to perform a “major life function” that occurs at school. In this case, the OT or PT works with the educational team and student to reduce barriers to learning in the school environment.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY:
Occupational therapy is provided as a related service to students who demonstrate decreased independence in performance of activities of daily living in the school setting as a result of sensory-motor impairment or developmental delay. The Occupational Therapist works to increase the child’s functioning in the school setting through enhancement of the student’s underlying skills, use of adaptive equipment, or incorporation of alternative methods.

PHYSICAL THERAPY: (requires a physician’s prescription)
In the school setting, Physical Therapy is a related service whose goal is to assist the child in participating in his/her educational program. The goal of physical therapy includes safe and efficient functional mobility within the school setting. The physical therapist works closely with the student, staff and parents to obtain and maintain appropriate adaptive equipment and techniques that will allow the child to more effectively access the educational setting.

For more information please contact
Cathy Fortney at 636-851-5299