Shool-Based Therapy

 
School-based therapy is a service provided to support the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for students who have a disability that interferes with their educational performance and ability to benefit from their education program.
 
School-based physical therapists promote motor development and the student’s participation in everyday routines and activities that are a part of their program. It is not intended to meet all of the therapeutic needs of a student; rather it is intended to ensure that a child can have access and participate in the school activities that are a part of their education. School-based therapy must be educationally relevant. 

Occupational Therapy

What is it?

 
Occupational therapy is the development of fine motor functioning, sensory processing, visual motor and visual perceptual skills, self-care skills/activities of daily living, social skills, cognitive skills, and executive functioning.
 

What are some examples?

 
Occupational therapy in a school setting varies based on the student’s individual needs and can include:
  • Improving the student’s fine motor, visual motor, and bilateral coordination skills
  • Improving the student’s school-appropriate self-help skills (completing a zipper and buttons, manipulating a backpack)
  • Improving the student’s sensory processing skills to maximize attention and participation in educational activities
  • Educating staff on strategies to improve student participation
  • Modifying the environment to maximize student’s overall participation
Occupational therapy illustration
Illustration by Freepik at Freepik.com

PhysicalTherapy

What is it?

 
Physical therapy is the development of functional and gross motor skills (tasks that involve large muscle groups, like walking and throwing)
 

What are some examples?

 
Physical therapy in a school setting varies based on the student’s individual needs and can include:
  • Educating staff to improve physical participation
  • Modifying the environment to maximize student’s overall participation
  • Improving the student’s safety when navigating the school, both indoors and outdoors
Physical therapy illustration
Illustration by pikisuperstar at Freepik.com