Occupational Therapy & Physical Therapy Services

Occupational Therapy

When occupational therapy is provided as a related service, it is meant to enhance a student's ability to function in an educational program. By focusing upon the skills of daily living, occupational therapists can often help individual students to function in the least restrictive environment. Services provided by a qualified occupational therapist or under the direction or supervision of a qualified occupational therapist include:

• improving, developing, or restoring functions impaired or lost through illness, injury, or deprivation;
• improving ability to perform tasks for independent functioning if functions are impaired or lost; and
• preventing, through early intervention, initial or further impairment or loss of function.

Physical therapists:

• provide treatment to increase muscle strength, mobility, and endurance;
• focus on gross motor skills that rely on the large muscles of the body involved in physical movement and range of motion;
• help to improve the student's posture, gait, and body awareness; and
• monitor the function, fit, and proper use of mobility aids and devices. 

In relation to special education, physical therapists are primarily concerned with developing and enhancing the physical potential of students with disabilities, so that they can achieve maximum independence and function in all their educational activities.

Resources 

• American Occupational Therapy Association
• American Physical Therapy Association
• Required School Screenings Guidance Document for Special Educators

The VDOE supports school based occupational and physical therapists and offers each LEA an opportunity to identify one lead OT and one lead PT. These individuals receive information and announcements pertaining to school based OT and PT practice. The Lead OT and PT staff are also invited to attend one VDOE Lead meetings per year with the intention of sharing this information with staff in the LEA.