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Occupational & Physical Therapy Department
The occupational therapists and physical therapists provide services to students who meet eligibility criteria for special education. Occupational therapy and physical therapy in the school setting are both considered related services, which means the services may be required to enable a student to benefit from his or her educational programming.
Therapy services in the school setting differ from services in medically-based clinics. Therapists may provide consultation, direct treatment, or training of parents and school staff. Delivery of these services may be provided in a whole class, small group, or individual treatment in a variety of settings. Consideration of a child’s performance includes skills in the classroom (including specials such as art, music, PE, or technology), stairs, playground, and cafeteria settings.
Occupational Therapy in the school setting could include the following:
- Supporting classroom fine motor participation
- Facilitating self-help skill acquisition
- Implement sensory processing strategies as appropriate
- Collaborate with staff regarding pre-vocational or vocational needs
Physical Therapy in the school setting could include the following:
- Supporting a child’s ability to navigate the school environment, which includes traveling throughout the school building or functional sitting/positioning in the classroom
- Modifying equipment and/or the physical environment to enhance student performance
- Promoting student access to large motor activities at school, including the playground
- Educating staff about medical precautions that could affect a child’s ability to physically participate in school
If you have further questions about therapy services in the school setting, contact your child’s teacher of record, or your school’s therapist:Occupational Therapists at HBM- Laci Cripe
- Heather Dierckman
- Joan Goldfarb
- Sherry Miller
- Mary Rawlings
- Tiffany Stanley
- Debbie Sullivan
- Hayley Swain
- Julie Thompson
- Gretchen Thurber
PT Name & District(s)To find an OT or PT in a specific school, please contact the Hamilton Boone Madison office at (317) 773-2134.