• Occupational Therapy Services

    Occupational Therapy (OT) is designated as a Related Service for students with disabilities. The need for this service is determined either by the school's 504 Team or by the Committee on Special Education. School-based occupational therapists assess fine motor, visual motor, sensory motor, and self-care skills. Deficiencies in these areas can be addressed through a variety of intervention strategies, which may include direct therapy with the child, consultation with the teacher, modification of the environment, provision of adaptive equipment, and staff training. School-based Occupational Therapy (OT) will be provided only when deficiencies directly affect functional performance related to school tasks. School-based OT is not intended to replace clinic-based OT services or therapy needed for medical reasons.  

    Physical Therapy Services

    Physical Therapy (PT) provided in a public school must be related to the educational needs of students with disabilities. The need for this service is determined either by the school's 504 Team or by the Committee on Special Education.

    The school-based physical therapist assesses students with functional limitations due to a physical disability or other health-related conditions. The assessment is designed to evaluate a student's ability to move throughout the school environment and participate in all aspects of the educational curriculum. Therapeutic interventions are focused on facilitating the development of the student's ability to move parts of the body, assume and maintain postures, organize movement into gross motor skills, and build strength and endurance for functional mobility (climbing stairs, moving through the school, accessing the playground, etc.). Various interventions may be used such as seating modification, mobility aids, and adaptive equipment designed to make the school environment more accessible. School-based physical therapy includes training, collaboration, and consultation with school staff about the activities and accommodations to be implemented. Services may be provided individually or in small groups.