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PHYSICAL THERAPY

Physical Therapy in Special Education is considered to be a "related service" under IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Act). Physical therapy is provided to a qualified student, i.e., a student who is eligible for Special Education services, who needs developmental, corrective or other supportive services as part of his/her Special Education curriculum. Part of our role is to work with both the student and the educational staff, including other related services personnel to facilitate the acquisition of functional school skills. This is done using an integrated service delivery model. Our goal is to have all members of the educational team work toward the same goal(s) and to remove the student from the classroom setting as little as possible. In addition, we make sure the various activities performed are done in a safe manner, both for the student and for the staff members. Intervention by the physical therapist can occur in a variety of settings including the classroom, motor room, gym, playground, hallways, cafeteria, bathroom, etc. We provide services using a variety of intervention methodologies including direct service, consultation and providing and maintaining positioning and mobility equipment (assistive technology).

Physical therapists work regularly with PPCD, Bridging and Developmental teachers and their students to instruct gross motor lab activities. These are activities that can be incorporated into the regular classroom routine and will benefit the gross motor development of all students in that classroom setting, not just those with PT on their IEP.

Physical therapists can work with parents to provide home programs to supplement the intervention plan. We can assist them with ordering adaptive equipment for the home setting. We can make parents aware of activities and services in the community that would be of benefit to the student.