PT/OT
The “How” of Ecological Assessment
December 08, 2021
by Sue Cecere, PT, MHS
According to Dr. Bronfenbrenner, ecological assessment involves stakeholders to identify student performance challenges and assist in their analysis.
PT/OT
The “What” of Ecological Assessment
December 07, 2021
by Sue Cecere, PT, MHS
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.
PT/OT
The “Why” of Ecological Assessment
November 22, 2021
by Sue Cecere, PT, MHS
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.
PT/OT
Part 3: The Application of GAS to the IEP Process
August 31, 2020
by Sue Cecere, PT, MHS
Best practice in educational goal writing is for a goal to be discipline-free and reflective of meaningful outcomes, not only for the current IEP cycle but looking forward. Given the one variable requirement of GAS, how does this process work when developing team-oriented goals?
PT/OT
Part 2: What Is Goal Attainment Scaling?
August 12, 2020
by Sue Cecere, PT, MHS
Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) is a client-centric, criterion referenced measure of progress, responsive to minimally significant changes in a specific outcome, whether it be an individual goal or a functional goal.
Tips & Advice
Lifespan Care for People with Disabilities
May 23, 2017
by Elena Noble, MPT
Providing activity and mobility interventions for young adults with disabilities after they leave the school system is important, particularly for maintaining quality of life. Unfortunately this outlook is not shared by everyone. A physical therapist working with young adults with developmental disabilities wrote this to me after her efforts to get adaptive equipment for her clients had been...
PT/OT
Improved Hygiene Care and Toileting
September 25, 2013
by Elena Noble, MPT
A Therapists Perspective
Hygiene care—particularly horizontal diapering—for people with severe disabilities can be time-consuming and taxing for the caregiver especially if it involves the traditional changing-table transfers. While changing tables are commonly used for young children and seldom pose problems, as children grow older (and heavier) the process becomes increasingly demanding. As...
PT/OT
SMART Goal Writing Using Adapted Equipment to Enhance Participation in Activities
January 29, 2013
by Connie Johnson, PT, DScPT
Goal writing is central for measuring outcomes, documenting the mobility performance of a child, and securing insurance funding and reimbursement. Good goal writing supports physical therapists’ practice by objectively quantifying functional performance and achievement. With the inception of the ICF model1, therapists can focus their interventions on activities and participation in functional...