Let’s Talk About: School-based Physical Therapy (PT)

October is Physical Therapy Month! So let’s talk about it. 

Physical Therapy services can be provided in the educational environment. However, it differs greatly from private therapy through a medical facility, clinic, or early intervention service. 

School-based Physical Therapy (PT) is a related service under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). PT is provided to support the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students with a disability that interferes with their educational performance and ability to benefit from their education program. Note the word “interferes.” A student can have a physical disability or limitations, but if those limitations are not affecting their educational abilities, then school-based PT services are not warranted.  

The Georgia Department of Education developed a document with a great description and chart explaining the differences between educationally relevant therapy services and medical/clinical therapy. It can be found on their website linked below. 

“IDEA requires the provision of related services, including occupational and physical therapy (OT/PT) in the school setting. OT and PT are related services provided to assist a student in accessing his/her educational program. The student must have a recognized disability or disorder which adversely affects his/her educational performance which includes developmental, academic, and functional skills.  A student may receive OT or PT as a related service under special education as directed by an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or as part of a Section 504 Plan if an educational need is identified.  Within the school environment, all OT and PT services are provided as a support to enhance the student’s ability to access his/her educational program. It is important to realize that if a student has an identifiable therapy need which does not prevent the student from accessing or progressing in his/her educational program, then school-based therapy is not needed. The priorities of educationally based and clinically based therapies are different. The therapists are equally trained and licensed, but the approach and goals for each setting is different. There are some students who have a medical need for therapy but do not have an educational need. Related services are provided only as needed to support the student in meeting his/her educational goals; therefore, the level of OT and/or PT support depends on the student’s educational goals.”

Georgia DOE Educationally Relevant Therapy