OT / PT
Occupational Therapy / Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy / Physical Therapy
What services do occupational therapy and physical therapy practitioners provide in schools?
Occupational therapy and physical therapy practitioners are related service professionals (specialized instructional support personnel) who provide a continuum of services and support including:
Services for students with behavioral and learning needs in general education
Services for individual students in special education
Services to ensure access for students with a disability
Limit barriers to participation
Provide assistive technology or adaptive equipment
Training and resources for school personnel and families
Participating on collaborative teams
Partnering on whole school initiatives for health and wellness
Related service is the term for the individualized services that a child with a disability must have in order to benefit from special education. They are developmental, corrective, or supportive services, NOT instructional services. Related services include school-based occupational and physical therapy.
How do occupational therapy and physical therapy services look different in a school than in a hospital or clinic?
Regardless of setting, occupational therapy and physical therapy services help individuals participate in daily life skills and routines; and facilitate access to their environment. School-based and hospital/clinic-based occupational and physical therapy services differ in focus:
School-based occupational therapists and physical therapists observe, assess, and address the child’s strengths and needs within the natural school settings (e.g., classroom, lunchroom, playground) in order to support the student’s educational program. Services may be directed to the child and/or on behalf of the child in the school environment (e.g., training or collaborating with educational staff, providing equipment, establishing sensory strategies, making safety recommendations).
Hospital and clinic-based occupational therapists and physical therapists typically assess and address the child’s strengths and needs in a clinic setting in order to support participation in life activities. The focus in non-school settings may be more varied and may or may not address specific educational needs.
Schools must adhere to IDEA, which defines occupational therapy as a related service (see above)—therefore, a medical model of therapy is not appropriate for the school setting.
Goals for school-based occupational therapy and physical therapy should be integrated as part of a student’s daily educational goals. Collaborating with teachers and other staff as goal implementers provides natural and daily opportunities for practice.