Occupational & Physical Therapy

Occupational and Physical Therapy Services

Federal and state laws govern the provision of school-based occupational and physical therapy services. OT and PT services are related services to special education and are supportive services provided to assist a student to benefit from their educational program. This differs from the therapy a student may receive from a medically based provider or clinic.

OT and PT evaluations are requested when school teams require additional information concerning the performance of a student in areas that may be supported by therapy intervention such as fine motor, self-help, sensory-motor, and gross motor skills.

Written parental consent is required for the initiation of the evaluation. The type of evaluation conducted is determined by the nature of the referral, the student’s unique characteristics, and the presenting difficulties observed in school.

The evidence of a delay or medical condition does not necessarily mandate therapy services. The student’s needs, as identified by IEP goals, are the driving force for service determination. The IEP team must decide if the student requires OT and/or PT to benefit from his or her special education program.

As educational team members, therapists work closely with teachers, families, and the student to identify solutions and implement strategies that help students participate in their educational program. Services may include the design and construction of adaptive equipment, modification of the educational environment, consultation, and/or provision of direct services.

Occupational and Physical Therapists are certified by a national licensing board and are also licensed through the Virginia Department of Health Professions.