Occupational and Physical Therapy
As part of the Exceptional Student Education Department, the Occupational Therapy (OT) & Physical Therapy (PT) practitioners support the success and education of Sarasota County public school students.
What Is School-Based Occupational and/or Physical Therapy?
OT/PT is a federally mandated related service, identified in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It is available to those students in an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program.
Once student goals are established in the Individual Education Plan (IEP), the IEP team decides whether OT/PT support is required for student success.
OT/PT services could be provided anywhere in the school setting.
OT/PT services may occur by working directly with the student.
Other OT/PT services may be more indirect, or "on behalf of the student." These may include setting up strategies, modifications or accommodations within the student’s environment.
Consultation and/or collaboration with school staff and caregivers is another part of OT/PT school services.
Areas addressed by OT may include the use of classroom tools and manipulatives, cutting, handwriting, assistive technology, self-help skills, organization, social skills, independent living skills, and sensory issues affecting education.
Areas addressed by PT may include independent living skills, safe mobility, access to equipment and supplies in an educational environment.
The OT/PT staff is also involved in Response to Intervention, the newest initiative that provides interventions to students before ESE placement.