OT and PT are defined as related special education services to be provided to a student when designated in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and recommended by the Educational Planning and Placement Committee.  OT and PT services in the school setting differ from those in rehabilitation and other medical settings both in scope and in intent.  In the school setting, therapy services are part of a broad program which provides for a wide range of educational needs and specific outcomes based on the effect a disability has on classroom performance rather than on a disability itself.  If a student requires rehabilitation services outside the scope of the IEP goals and objectives, community resources should be accessed to meet those needs.  OT and PT services in the schools are solely to support the educational process.

In general, the focus of Physical Therapy is the facilitation of gross motor development, basic mobility and functional skills.  The focus of Occupational Therapy is the development of readiness abilities or motor skills necessary for fine motor skills, self care skills and learning.

Occupational and physical therapies are both concerned with the neuro muscular, sensory motor and adaptive skill development of the student.  They are related and complimentary services.  Because of this, the goals for a student receiving both services may overlap.  The role of OT and PT is to facilitate a student's independent functioning and decrease the effects of a handicapping condition on his ability to participate in the educational process.  A therapy program is designed to assist the development of underlying skills that are prerequisites for learning.

There are however clear and specific differences between the goals of the two therapies.  There are also differences in the techniques and activities used in the education of the therapists and in the areas with which each therapy is concerned. 

The determination of whether a student will receive OT and/or PT services is after a thorough screening by the therapist.  An assessment may be initiated by recommendations from: the IEPC, the teacher, the parent/guardian or a physician.  The purpose of assessment is to help determine if there are deficits that interfere with school performance and learning.  As a result of the screening, the therapist may recommend different levels of therapeutic intervention.  If a student shows a need for therapy services, then appropriate goals will be added to the IEP.  Physician orders will be obtained if needed, and therapy will begin.

Mike gets a new set of wheels with the help of a vendor and Debbie our PTA.

Ms. Pander models one of our "ball chairs" created by our OT/PT staff at a Creform workshop.

Occupational Therapist works on positioning with Moriah.

RJ Cooper visits Madison School and shares his assistive technology software and devices with many of the students.

RJ and Laura find success with the computer.

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