School Based Physical Therapy

What is school based physical therapy?

School based physical therapy is a related service which is offered for students who have difficulty functioning within the educational setting. The role of the physical therapist is to facilitate a student's independent functioning and decrease the effects of a disability on his/her ability to participate in the educational setting and process. Specifically, physical therapy emphasizes the acquisition of basic motor skills necessary for mobility about the school environment as well as the physical capability for participating with peers during education and recess.

The educational system or environment includes any of the following:

1. Early Intervention Programs
2. Preschool Handicapped Programs
3. Public Schools
4. Private Schools
5. Department of Human Services Regional Schools (state)
6. Regional Day Schools (county)

The students capabilities and needs in relation to his/her present level of educational performance are the focus for programming to promote functional independence within the educational environment. The educational environment includes the educational curriculum, physical environment, and social aspects that are encountered throughout the school day.

Physical therapists in the school system have expertise in the following:

Evaluation:

1. Administer and interpret appropriate clinical tests and prioritize results related to the students educational needs
2. Discuss evaluation findings with parents and appropriate school personnel on the team
3. Develop appropriate measurable objectives and strategies within the Individualized Education Program (IEP)
4. Make recommendations for transition into community activities
5. Identify appropriate time for discharge

Treatment:

1. Design a physical therapy treatment plan that will have a beneficial impact on the students educational program
2. Implement this program
3. Assess this program
4. Reports, written in lay terms, according to school district policy
5. Documentation of each treatment session according to the New Jersey Physical Therapy Practice Act
6. IEP reports including annual reassessments

Consultation:

1. Consult with educational staff and family members to provide appropriate intervention and management strategies to facilitate learning
2. Evaluate the students environment and make appropriate recommendations to ensure success in the least restrictive environment

Education:

1. Provide training for school personnel
2. Provide training for family members

Physical therapy service delivery models:

The following models of service describe options for delivery of educationally related physical therapy. These models are not hierarchical with regard to benefit or time commitments. Each model has its own characteristics.

Direct Service Model:

In the direct model, the therapist is the primary service provider to the child. However, the therapist using this model should involve the students teachers and parents. Physical therapy may occur in an isolated environment due to the need for a distraction free environment and/or specialized equipment. Direct service delivery can also occur in the natural environment. The emphasis of direct physical therapy is usually the acquisition of new motor skills.

Consultative Model:

In the consultative model, the physical therapist consults with the teacher, staff, parents, and student regarding student-specific issues. The physical therapist is not the primary individual responsible for implementing the activities. Service is provided in the learning environment by support personnel. The physical therapist helps to develop the goals and demonstrates activities to all appropriate staff.

When is physical therapy not appropriate for school?

The role of the physical therapist as a related service provider is not to meet the total medical needs of the student. Students may have a medical diagnosis or motor impairment that does not interfere with their educational performance. Each area of need is closely scrutinized to determine its impact on the educational environment. The therapist will identify the performance problems in terms of functional criteria within the educational setting relating to the students educational goals and needs.

Meet the Therapist:

• Michele Diaz-LaManna, PT: Miss Michele has been practicing physical therapy for the past 29 years exclusively in pediatrics. She has worked many years in both the medical and school based model. She has extensive continuing education hours and certifications. Miss Michele covers the entire district seeing students from preschool aged through high school. She teaches yoga for special education students and conducts many sessions each week within district.

Information taken from: www.htps.us