Purpose/Function
Physical Therapy (PT) services are available to students with an existing Individualized Education Program (IEP) whose physical limitations require therapeutic intervention and/or rehabilitation procedures to support educationally related needs. The objective is for the student to be functional, with accommodations, within the educational program environment.
A student’s physical performance may be impaired by physical, developmental, sensory, attentional and/or learning challenges.
Physical therapy as an educational support service can be quite different from PT in a clinic or hospital. School-based therapists focus on providing strategies and recommendations for accommodations, adaptations or modifications that develop skills to improve the student’s performance of tasks and activities important and necessary for successful school functioning.
Recommendations of task adaptations, task modifications, and assistive devices may be necessary to optimize the student’s performance in the school setting.
The PT works closely with school staff to help students acquire functional abilities necessary to access educational materials and move about the school in a safe and efficient manner. Classroom observations assist in the development an understanding of the student’s present level of performance.
Physical Therapy provides services for students who have gross motor difficulties secondary to musculoskeletal nervous system impairments. Students must have the ability to actively participate in PT treatment.
In order for students to receive PT services under IDEA Part B, the federal law requires that students be eligible for special education and that the related service be necessary to assist the students with disabilities to benefit from special education. In this manner, PTs serve in a supportive role, helping students participate in and benefit from special education.
The method and frequency of services necessary to support students within the educational environment is determined through the PT evaluation and IEP processes.
PT Contact Name and Email Address
MISD Form 2 PT Referral Process
PT Rx Form