OCCUPATIONAL AND PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES
OT and PT are related services to special education. Related services are those services an IEP can determine are necessary for a child to benefit from special education services. These services may work toward specific goals written on the student's IEP to facilitate the educational plan or may be provided as an accommodation or modification to the student's educational program.
In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), OT and PT services need to be education relevant. OT & PT services are provided along a continuum ranging from full inclusion in general education through direct "pull-out" services.
Physical Therapy Services
The purpose of physical therapy (PT) in the educational setting is to allow students with mobility impairments to be schooled in the least restrictive environment. Students who may require PT include those with mobility impairments, sensorimotor delays, muscular, orthopedic, neurological and respiratory disorders, or postural deviations whose severity of impairment requires intervention to benefit from the educational environment.
To access PT services, follow the existing GEIP or special education referral processes. The therapist must be notified by the completion of the OT/PT referral form by the school psychologist.
Occupational Therapy Services
Occupational Therapy (OT) services in the educational setting may be indicated for students exhibiting impairments or delays with sensory motor skills, sensory processing, educationally relevant self-help skills, fine motor skill development, and upper extremity functional mobility whose severity of impairment requires intervention to benefit from the educational environment.
To access OT services, follow the General Educational Intervention Plan (GEIP) process. For a student transferring from another school with an Individual Education Plan (IEP), follow the existing CKCIE referral process. The therapist must be notified by the completion of the OT/PT referral form by the school psychologist.