Physical Therapy

IDEA lists physical therapy as a related service that “may be required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education.”  School-based physical therapy is provided to support a student’s academic achievement and to help a student access the educational setting.  The role of the physical therapist in public schools is clear: promote the educational achievements of each physically challenged child. 

Physical Therapists provide many services, but some of them include: 

• Positioning/handling/activities training and programming with teachers/staff
• Equipment assessment and training
• Helping student with school mobility (walking, wheelchair mobility)
• Transitioning (toileting, transferring between activities)
• Bus wheelchair safety training
• Direct and consultative services