Occupational and Physical Therapy

The Occupational and Physical Therapists provide related services to augment the learning potential and educational environment of the student.

OT/PT performs a pivot role in ensuring that students are not encumbered by functional limitations, impairments, and disabilities from receiving a free and appropriate education. Assisting students in achieving their optimal function, health, and mobility prepares and augments the learning potential of the student and facilitates the success of the student, and the school, as a program.

Access to Occupational and Physical Therapy services is a vital part of the developmental opportunities that infants, toddlers, children, and students with disabilities need to enhance their lives, to obtain an education, become functional in their environment, and to ultimately become gainfully employed. The OT/PT treatment is child-specific, measurable and realistic to ensure that outcomes are at an appropriate level to benefit the student. Early intervention maximizes the student's outcomes and results in increased participation of the student in the least restrictive environment possible. The Flagstaff Unified School District utilize Occupational and Physical Therapists in the educational environment to identify high-risk students and to intervene before the impairment limits the educational experience of the student.

Occupational and Physical Therapists can provide the Special Needs Student at your school with the following:

*Screening and assessments which provide the basis for enhancing the educational programming.

*Use of adaptive/assistive equipment and application of braces, splints, and prosthetic devices.

*Positioning for optimal learning.

*Selected activities of daily living to enhance the educational program.

*Transitioning to a new school or workplace.

* Provide the student's educational team with: Assistance to understand the different considerations that must be given to children with disabilities.

*A communication network with educational staff, administrators, the medical community, caregivers, and other students for a more effective learning environment.

*Effective use of adaptive classroom design and equipment.