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Overview
Physical Therapy services are provided to students with special needs
under provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Improvement
Act of 2004. Physical therapy services are provided to students
with developmental and learning disabilities which impact their mobility
and gross motor skills in the school environment. The goal of physical
therapy in the school setting is to improve students’ functional
skills in the classroom, on the campus, in physical education and on playground
settings. Concerns which may be addressed by physical therapy include
balance, coordination, posture, endurance, motor learning and strength
if these difficulties affect the student’s ability to engage in
a meaningful way with peers during typical curricular activities. Physical
therapists consider a student’s strengths and interests when considering
the best approach to support a student’s educational performance.
Physical therapists support students in the following performance areas/expected
school activities:
Educational Accessibility/Academic Readiness Skills
- Maintain appropriate posture for school activities
- Complete required changes in posture or movement for school activities
- Complete required mobility around the classroom and campus
Self Help Skills
- Maintain posture needed for self-feeding and hygiene routines at school
- Perform transfers and maintain balance needed for toileting
Play/Leisure/Recreational Activities
- Complete physical education activities
- Access play structure and/or play equipment during recess
- Participate in sports activities
Community Based School Instruction
- Complete required mobility needed to participate in community based learning activities.
Services
In the San Diego Unified School District, physical therapists and physical
therapy assistants provide a range of related services to students. Both
the physical therapist and physical therapy assistant may provide student
services in the classroom or in other educational settings. They
may also monitor a student’s progress through regular collaboration
with teachers, staff, parents and other service providers. Physical
therapists are also responsible for performing assessments and developing
and monitoring a student’s therapy intervention plan.
Related Resources
American Physical Therapy Association
California Board of Physical Therapy
California Physical Therapy Association
Contact Information
Physical Therapy
Transdisciplinary Services
Wiggin Center, B-11
4350 Mt. Everest Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92117
Phone: (858) 573-5971
Fax: (858) 573-5985
Title |
Contact |
Program Manager
|
Sharon Popp |
Therapy Services Supervisor
|
Patti LaBouff |
Senior Physical Therapist
|
Shara Olivier |
Clerk Typist III
|
Kathy Anderson |
