The primary role of the school-based physical therapist (PT) is to help students benefit from their educational program within the educational environment while allowing for student independence and safety with appropriate accessibility. Intervention and goals in the school setting address the child’s functional needs in accessing all areas of the school curriculum. However, there may be physical barriers in the school building/environment that inhibit the student's ability to fully access their educational environment. It is the role of the school-based physical therapist to recognize/identify these barriers and to work with the school team to resolve such barriers.

In order to ensure full access to students with disabilities, your school-based physical therapist may resolve accessibility barriers in the following areas/ways:

Smaller, less invasive accessibility changes - your physical therapist may be able to resolve these concerns in a more timely fashion.

• Provide consultation regarding classroom layout in order to support students with mobility devices.

• Provide adapted equipment to support student access.

• Coordinate bathroom set-up and provide needed equipment.

Larger, more involved accessibility changes - your physical therapist will collaborate with PPS Facilities to ensure ADA remodeling at school sites.

• Building entrance access - ramps/power doors/ADA parking.

• Multi-level building access - stairs/elevators/stair-lifts.

• Restroom layout changes for dependent students.

• Playground accessibility.

• Specialized classroom set-up.

Design standards for future school building remodeling - your physical therapist is a valuable source of information when it comes to planning and developing school buildings that will ensure universal access for all students with disabilities.

Physical therapist help:

• Identify accessibility barriers in school buildings designated for remodeling.

• Develop design standards for future school buildings, playgrounds, and athletics grounds.

Your school PT may coordinate with school teams and PPS Facilities regarding ADA modifications for school access. They may participate in school building walk-throughs, as well as participate in work-order completion.