Physical Therapy

School-based physical therapists work with other professionals to assist children with disabilities to access their education. As a part of the Exceptional Children's Department of the Asheville City School System, Physical Therapy is provided to help children access their physical school environment with optimal independence, success, and safety. This includes activities of a school day, like moving throughout school grounds, sitting, standing in line or at the board, accessing playground equipment, participating in PE activities, moving in class or through the building.

The Physical Therapist works closely with other therapists and teachers to help integrate Physical Therapy goals into the student's school day. All screens, evaluations, consultations, and interventions are performed by physical therapists licensed by the state of North Carolina.  Interventions may include adaptations to school environments, working with a student on motor skills. assistance with identifying and getting special equipment, and collaboration with school staff and other professionals.

All children, who qualify for clinical (or outpatient) physical therapy, may not qualify for school-based services. A child's eligibility for services is determined by a multidisciplinary team that includes parents, educators, program facilitators, the student and other special services, providers. The team gathers information about a child's functional abilities and physical development relevant to their education. This information comes from a variety of sources including parents or caregivers, direct observation, medial and teacher reports, assessment tools, and information or input from community agencies. Recommendation for education based services, including physical therapy, are made based upon a thorough review of available information. Findings are shared with the team, which uses the information and recommendations to develop an individual education plan or IEP. If a child qualifies for related services in order to benefit from their special education, they are provided at no cost to families.

Adapted from the NC DPI-PSaveT webpage 
 

http://www.ncpublicschools.org/ec/instructional/physical/