Physical Therapy

  • Physical therapists perform a pivotal role in ensuring that students are not encumbered from receiving a free and appropriate education by functional limitations, impairments, and disabilities.

    The Physical Therapist (PT) assists students in achieving their optimal function, health, and mobility.  Physical Therapists provide essential services from early intervention to community integration, that assist the student with overcoming functional and mobility obstacles to learning and daily living.  The PT identifies and assesses students who might be at risk for limitations in their functional abilities and movement, helping to ensure that the student's participation in the general education environment is met.  Through early identification and intervention, Physical Therapists prevent the progression of impairments that will limit students' educational outcomes.  All too often, physical and movement-based impairments and functional limitations are barriers to a child's participation in the educational setting.  By eliminating many of these barriers and by assisting the child to reach his or her full potential, children with disabilities will become more able to succeed in the general education environment.

    PTs provide direct and consultative services to address specific areas of need:

    • Lifting, carrying, and transfer techniques which prevent injury to students and staff
    • Functional motor skills within the educational environment, including the classroom, in the lunchroom, or in the restroom
    • Safe mobility on the playground, field trips, and sports events
    • Removing barriers from the student's school environment
    • Transfer techniques and transitional movements

    PTs work closely with teachers to promote the highest level of function possible for the student while they pursue their educational goals.

    Physical Therapy Resources

    Physical Therapy Websites