School Based Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a related service provided to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education. School physical therapy focuses on a child's ability to move as independently as possible in the school environment. The school physical therapist evaluates the child's ability to move throughout the school and to participate in classroom activities.

The decision of whether a child with a disability qualifies for school physical therapy is made by a team. This team determines whether the child has a disability, has a need for special education, and requires related services such as physical therapy.

Physical therapy interventions are designed to enable the student to travel throughout the school environment; participate in classroom activities; maintain and change positions in the classroom; as well as manage stairs, restrooms, and the cafeteria.

Approximately 6,158 children receive school based physical therapy. There are 280 school based physical therapists and 40 physical therapist assistants in Wisconsin public schools.

Evidence-Based Practice

• Powerpoint Presentation on Using Systematic Reviews to Inform Practice developed by Dr. Steven Cope, Concordia University of Wisconsin, October 27, 2005
• Online Database List for finding abstracts and citations for individual articles and systematic reviews related to physical therapy
• Searching Tips for using online databases

Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy: A Resource and Planning Guide

OT and PT Resource and Planning Guide
This publication will help school staff and parents better understand the key roles occupational therapists and physical therapists play in the lives of children who need their services to benefit from their education. Their work supports our shared goal that every child will graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the workforce and/or higher education.

Training

Brochure: Orientation for OTs and PTs New to School-Based Practice, An Online Web Course, September 12-26, 2011.

Information Resources

• Department of Regulation and Licensing Physical Therapy Page
• Archives of School Therapy Newsletters
• School-Based and Community-Based Therapy Services
  (Page 1 and Page 2) -
• Information Update Bulletin 04.03 - Physical Therapy Practice Act and Licensing Rules
• Information Update Bulletin 02.02 - Physical Education for Students with Disabilities
• Employment opportunities in school-based physical therapy are found at the State of Wisconsin Job Seeker link.
• License application for a school physical therapist or school physical therapist assistant.

For questions about this information, contact Special Education Team (608) 266-1781

Last updated on 3/29/2012 8:19:10 AM