Physical Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
What is the difference between PT, OT and APE?
In the school district, Physical Therapists promote mobility and accessibility within the special education program and the greater school environment. In the same environment, Occupational Therapists promote hand function, oral-motor function and independence in functional activities. APE specialists promote physical fitness, motor skills, and lifetime sports through the use of modified materials and adapted teaching techniques. All three services are related services (meaning they are supportive services that are required to assist a child with disabilities to benefit from special education.)
What is the referral process?
PT is a related service to special education. Students with disabilities are eligible for a related service when there is documented evidence that the service is necessary for them to access and make progress on their IEP (Individualized Education Plan.) Initially, an IEP is completed. Once the student is in a program, the school team can gather information to determine if motor deficits are interfering with the student achieving the goals and objectives of their IEP. If a student is unable to access their educational opportunities, therapy specialists are asked to assist the class room staff. The PT will gather information about the student’s abilities and challenges, will provide interventions for the classroom staff to try for six weeks, and document the attempts and the outcomes. Once the interventions have been tried and documented for six weeks, if the student is still unable to gain access to their educational opportunities, a referral for physical therapy services is appropriate.
How are services provided?
For all related services, the emphasis is placed on providing therapeutic interventions in the least restrictive environment. Optimally, a student’s physical therapy services are functionally integrated with the instructional and behavioral interventions provided by other related service providers, special education and regular education teachers. Depending on the student’s needs services may be provided directly or through collaboration. Collaboration with IEP team members is encouraged in order to develop consistency in working with IEP goals/objectives in a variety of school settings.
What concerns would indicate a need for PT services in the schools?
- Mobility concerns such as tripping/falling/not being able to get to class in a passing period; student is unable to get to all areas of the school/program due to restricted mobility; student has difficulty walking, using stairs or playground safely.
- Positioning concerns such as the student is unable to move into or maintain positions needed to participate in education.
- Strength concerns such as low trunk strength or endurance that limit access to school activities.
When are PT services ended?
Therapy services are terminated when IEP goals are mastered and remaining needs, if any, can be adequately addressed in the classroom. Services can also be terminated when little or no progress has been made over a reasonable period of time despite therapeutic intervention. Once a child has been discharged, if the need for therapeutic intervention arises again, the process can be restarted.
I have a child with a disability - who can I turn to for help?
Some - but not the only - options are:
My child has just been diagnosed with a disability - where can I find more information about it?
You can search on Google or other search engines for additional information. Below are a few examples of sites about specific disabilities:
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