What Is School Based Occupational and/or Physical Therapy?

· OT/PT is a federally mandated related service, identified in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It is available to those students in an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program.

· Once student goals are established in the Individual Education Plan (IEP), the IEP team decides whether OT/PT support is required for student success.

· OT/PT services could be provided anywhere in the school setting.

· OT/PT services may occur by working directly with the student.

· Other OT/PT services may be more indirect, or "on behalf of the student". These may include setting up strategies, modifications or accommodations within the student’s environment.

· Consultation and/or collaboration with school staff and caregivers is another part of OT/PT school services.

· Areas addressed by OT may include: use of classroom tools and manipulatives, cutting, handwriting, assistive technology, self-help skills, organization, social skills, independent living skills, and sensory issues affecting education.

· Areas addressed by PT may include: independent living skills, safe mobility, access to equipment and supplies in educational environment.

· The OT/PT staff is also involved in Response to Intervention, the newest initiative that provides interventions to students prior to ESE placement.