Physical Therapy Services

Purpose/Function

A physical therapy evaluation, consultation, and direct therapy services are available to students whose physical limitations require therapeutic assistance and/or rehabilitation procedures to support educationally related needs. The objective is for the student to be functional within the educational program.

Physical Therapy provides services for students who have gross motor difficulties secondary to musculoskeletal or nervous system impairments.  Students must have the ability to actively participate in Physical Therapy Treatment.  Students whose primary limitation is attention span or cognitive delays may appear to have gross motor delays.  Remediating attention span or cognition is not within the scope of practice of physical therapy.  Therefore, student's whose gross motor skills appear limited secondary to poor attention or cognitive delays should not be referred for a Physical Therapy evaluation.

Frequency

1. The IEPT goals will determine the frequency of services needed to support educationally related needs. LEA’s may elect to be responsible for increased services to support medical needs.
       
2. Emphasis at this level is based on indirect service to the student, concentrating on problem-solving classroom situations that are impeding the student’s educational goals.
       
3. Consultations may be requested for a therapist to provide interventions for cases that can be effectively addressed through classroom modifications or teacher interventions.

Referral Procedures

1. A Form 2 requesting evaluation, consultation, and/or service must be submitted to the MISD, Support and Related Services.
2. Referral materials must include:

• Copy of the most recent IEPT

• PT referral form

Referral Response

1. Supervisor assigns the referral.
        
2. Therapist interviews, teachers, parents and other referral staff. An evaluation appointment is scheduled with the student’s teacher.

Outcomes

1. The completed physical therapy evaluation report with recommendations is sent to:

• Parent

• Director of Special Education

2. A form 2A Report of Recommended Disposition will be sent to the district.
       
3. IEPT is convened by the LEA to determine the need for services. The physical therapist must be invited to the IEPT. The IEPT will determine service, appropriateness, goals and service frequency.
       
4. Service will commence upon receipt of the physicians prescription, parents are responsible for obtaining the prescription.

Exceptions

There are some students who are not in need of physical therapy evaluation prior to a service referral.

An evaluation is not indicated under the following conditions:

1. Transfers from other districts where physical therapy services had previously been provided at time of transfer (physical therapy is indicated on the current IEPT).
         
2. Students previously serviced in another program, i.e., MIPPs or a PI/OHI center program, where continued services are recommended on the IEPT. Therapists from the referring program must write appropriate goals and frequency of treatment into the IEPT.

Deadlines

Referrals received after May 1st will be processed in the fall.

Forms

Physical Therapy Referral Form (Sent with Form 2)