Physical Therapy

Contact

Please call the Special Education Department at 508-799-3055.

Services

Physical Therapy (PT) staff provide interventions via a variety of models depending on the need of the student and the services outlined in the IEP and/or 504.

  • PT’s Perform screenings and evaluations to assess the presence of a disability and the need for intervention

  • PT’s Develop and implement Individual Education Plans (IEP) and Section 504 accommodation plans.

  • PTAs can implement IEP interventions.

  • PT staff provide intervention to students identified with a disability need relative to the Physical Therapist’s areas of expertise.

  • Services are provided via consultative model within the context of the classroom and school activities; direct intervention in the student’s classroom or during school activities or via direct intervention in the therapy area.

Qualification for Physical Therapy Services

Students qualify for physical therapy (PT) intervention following the SSP and/or Special Education Evaluation process.  

A screening is conducted if there is a suspected disability. 

Following the screening an evaluation is conducted if additional information is needed and/or there is evidence of a suspected disability. 

Students who are referred for PT services may have significant difficulty accessing the curriculum in the areas of gross motor skills, mobility, stability, balance, motor control, navigating the school environment, and/or difficulty in completing physical activities.

If you suspect that your child has a physical disability ask your child’s teacher, school administrator, or PT about how to initiate the screening process.

Staffing

Physical Therapist

Physical Therapists are licensed by the state of Massachusetts.

PT staff provide therapeutic interventions that  are aimed at assisting students access educational activities and may target  gross motor skills, coordination, stability, and mobility. 

Physical Therapists conduct screenings, evaluations, report at meetings, provide consultation and collaboration to teams, and develop intervention plans for students who qualify for services.

Services are provided following IEPs and 504 plans.

Physical Therapy Assistant

Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) work under the supervision of Physical Therapists, and are   licensed by the state of Massachusetts. 

PTAs provide therapeutic interventions and strategies to students who qualify for services, implementing the IEPs and 504 plans. 

PTAs collaborate and consult to school staff as well.