PHYSICAL THERAPY

Physical therapy is a related service provided to special education students to meet their educational needs in the school environment.  Assessments and classroom observations are completed to determine a student’s posture, balance, strength, coordination, body control and mobility as it relates to their school performance.

Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants help preschool and school age children gain functional motor and mobility skills that promote independent participation in their daily school activities.  Therapists can also participate as a member of the school’s intervention assistance team to provide recommendations for movement activities, student accommodations/modifications and staff training for accessibility in the regular education classrooms.

Goals are developed to promote independence with school based activities for:

• Getting on and off the bus
• Mobility and accessibility in hallways and classrooms
• Traveling up and down stairs
• Active participation with peers in gym
• Active participation with peers on playground
• Body control to manage supplies and backpack
• Posture and positional needs in the classroom
• Manage equipment for students with orthopedic concerns (walkers, wheelchairs, braces)
• Prevocational and vocational activities