School based therapy

Children with medical complexity benefit from use of supportive walkers and gait trainers for upright mobility opportunities.

Standing is thought to have many benefits for children with multiple disabilities including bowel management, bone density, tone management, range of motion, and pain management among others.

As school-based therapists, we are frequently asked to provide input on seating, standing, and movement opportunities (including walking and gross motor participation). The school is a naturally supportive setting for children of all abilities to participate more.

For a child with a disability such as cerebral palsy, the primary goal for the school-based therapist is to improve access to education.

When I first graduated in 1984 and worked with children in the schools, physical therapists typically did not work with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

School-based physical therapists can promote student wellness and health through strategies to improve fitness, function and physical activity.

According to Dr. Bronfenbrenner, ecological assessment involves stakeholders to identify student performance challenges and assist in their analysis.

Ecological assessment is a comprehensive process of assessment in which data on student performance is collected through observation across different environments and/or settings. It is a collaborative process that involves relevant stakeholders.

In 2004, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was reauthorized with language supporting participation in the natural environment. This has challenged school-based practitioners to use the natural environment as a basis for assessment.