CEDAR LANE SCHOOL

PHYSICAL THERAPY :

In the educational setting, physical therapy facilitates the development of the gross motor abilities required to participate in an educational program. The service includes strategies and adaptations which focus on functional mobility and safe participation in school activities. These services must be related to the educational needs of the child.

Besides serving on the IEP team and providing treatment Physical Therapists may:

• Provide information and interpretation when students bring in reports involving orthopedic or neurologic conditions.
• Provide training on lifting and transfers
• Work with parents, staff, physicians and providers to assure that appropriate equipment is ordered
• Work with transportation to resolve identified problems such as making decisions about the need to use the lift or the ability to utilize the general ed. bus
• Work with administrators and building services staff to identify and resolve barriers to accessibility: in schools for new or transitioning students; for graduation; and at work sites
• Provide updates and recommendations to physicians if requested by parents
• Give input/suggestions on optimal positioning for function/ testing
• Provide input as evacuation plans are developed
• Provide input on optimal classroom arrangement and equipment.

Note:   Physical therapists may need information directly from the physician before becoming involved with students who have had recent surgery or are medically fragile in some way.