Portland Public Schools (PPS) has put new guidelines in place for all students that may require adult support during personal hygiene care.

The purpose of the PPS Section 6a Physical Management protocol is:

• To protect the safety of both students and staff by ensuring that proper facilities and procedures are used for these activities, and to tailor the procedures to the needs of each individual student.

• To ensure that students who need toileting support, while accessing their education, get the support they need while moving toward greater independence in accordance with their IEPs.

• To ensure staff are properly trained and supported in providing toileting support for students; and

• To provide clarity around the roles and responsibilities of staff in implementing toileting supports for students.

Most students with mobility needs may require adult support as well as restroom accommodations and equipment in order to complete their personal hygiene care. Your school-based physical therapist (PT) may be a great source to support your student, and classroom staff, with mobility needs during personal hygiene care.

Your PT may be able to provide support as follows:

• Identify the student with mobility needs that need support during personal hygiene care

• Identify barriers to successful independence regarding personal hygiene needs

• Identify the appropriate level of adult support during the personal hygiene tasks

• Recognize accessibility accommodations that need to be put in place

• Coordinate with PPS Facilities to provide accessible restroom spaces

• Provide restroom equipment to support the student during personal hygiene care

• Provide staff training regarding equipment use

• Provide staff training regarding safe transfer techniques

• Collaborate with school teams, MESD Nurses, and occupational therapists (OT) towards completing the PPS Bathroom Checklist

• Collaborate with school teams and OT towards teaching the student independence during personal hygiene tasks.