Physical Therapy
What is School Based Physical Therapy?
Physical Therapy in the public school promotes mobility and accessibility within the special education program. The focus is to bridge the gap between the student and their opportunities for learning.
Determining the need for PT
Federal law mandates that physical therapy (PT) in schools be educationally relevant. Delivery of PT intervention in the educational setting is distinctly different from clinically based, medically necessitated physical therapy. Although medical conditions and/or a disability may be present, unless it impacts the student’s ability to benefit from the individualized educational program, services are not required. Determining the need for physical therapy intervention must include observing the student within the educational environment and assessing his/her ability to meet the demands of the educational program and setting.
Individual appraisal may include assessment of:
- strength
- endurance
- components of movement and muscle tone
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- motor control
- sensory perception
- range of motion
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Specific knowledge of the educational program, roles, and services of other school providers, physical demands of the program and additional characteristics of the student’s language, cognitive and socialization skills are taken into consideration when assessing a student’s special education program needs. Emphasis is on making a difference in receiving special education and least restrictive service delivery.
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