Physical Therapy

Definition “School Physical Therapists work with school staff to assist children with disabilities to access their education” School Physical Therapists address: Accessibility (ex. Playground, bathroom) and Functional Mobility (ex. Sitting, walking, stairs)

Physical Therapy Accessed as a Related Service on the IEP with support available at other tier levels Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Consult with school personnel on mobility issues EX: Student with broken leg being able to access the bathroom Work with school personnel to develop targeted strategies for individual students EX: Consult on safety issues regarding mobility Can assist with achievement of IEP goals by providing consultation to the teacher on mobility issues affecting education, providing equipment to support the child in the educational setting, or working directly with students on functional mobility skills. EX: providing training for teachers/TAs working with students that have mobility issues, providing adapted chairs or tables, or providing interventions to improve walking, sitting, or stair climbing abilities.

Eligibility/Referral Process Staff or SST member has a concern about student’s mobility skills or ability to access total educational environment Parent expresses concern to school staff or requests a physical therapy evaluation Communicate with your school’s physical therapist through a phone call or to discuss concerns and determine appropriate course of action *** Just because a child has out- patient/private physical therapy services does not automatically qualify them to receive PT services in the school system

Evaluation Process Physical therapy evaluations may address: –Functional mobility/gross motor skills –Musculoskeletal status/posture –Campus access –Equipment needs/positioning at school –Balance/coordination Private PT evaluations presented to the school team should be reviewed by the school PT regarding educational relevance (students receiving outpatient/private PT are not necessarily in need of school PT services) PT requires adequate time to complete all aspects of the evaluation process (i.e. The full 90 day timeline)

Reevaluation The following are indications for a physical therapy reevaluation: –The school PT currently working with the child determines further information is needed –Parent request –Change in area of eligibility (if the IEP team determines physical therapy should provide a motor evaluation) –Student who is receiving school PT services enters WCPSS from in-state school district and does not have a current PT evaluation (within 3 years)

IEP Process Physical therapy should be invited to DEC 1 and DEC 7 meetings when a physical therapy referral is being considered –Please contact PT in advance to coordinate meeting time –A PT will help the team to determine if a PT observation, screening or evaluation is warranted A physical therapy evaluation/revaluation will be performed if the team decides at the DEC 1/DEC 7 meeting that one is necessary. (note: a PT should be a part of this team) PT will work as part of the IEP team to create IEP goals that address any mobility needs within the educational environment PT Evaluations can occur only as part of the special education determination process or 504 plan referral.

How School PTs Serve Students Intervention to address specific IEP goals related to accessing educational environment Educationally related collaboration with school personnel regarding student specific areas of need Physical Therapy Related Services Support Description (consultation, transition planning, equipment, etc.) ***A student may have a separate goal page dedicated to functional mobility skills or functional goals may be integrated with other developmental or educational areas. While the physical therapist may take leadership in developing some goals and supports, they are the child’s functional goals, not “ PT goals”

Other Services Physical therapists may also be involved with: –Transportation accommodations –Section 504 accommodation plans –Adapted equipment –Preschool assessments –Emergency evacuation plans –Facility accessibility and modifications School PT’s may also be available to assist students with temporary mobility needs within the school –Staff training regarding transfers and mobility needs –Equipment –Special transportation recommendations –Emergency evacuation

Key Points to Remember 1. When checking “motor” on the DEC 2: –It is not necessary to write-in “Physical therapy evaluation” –A motor assessment does not necessarily require PT involvement –Communication with your school’s PT is key to determine if PT needs to be involved 2.PT requires adequate time to complete all aspects of the evaluation process (i.e. the full 90 day timeline) –Please include PTs in the IEP process from the very beginning whenever there is a mobility concern. The special ed case mananger is responsible for sending the DEC1/DEC7 and DEC2 to the school PT

Key Points to Remember 3.School PTs can address functional mobility/motor concerns only as they relate the child’s ability to access their educational environment 4.School PTs should be invited to attend: IEP annual reviews DEC 7 meetings for children already receiving PT services DEC 1 meetings for out of state students with PT on previous IEP DEC 1 meetings for students who have motor/mobility concerns 5.School PTs should receive copies of all IEP documents