School-based services provided by speech, occupational, and physical therapy professionals are designed to address specific needs of students in an educational setting. Here's an overview of the services provided by each of these therapy disciplines in a school context:

Speech Therapy Services:

• Articulation Therapy: Addresses speech sound errors and pronunciation difficulties.

• Language Therapy: Targets expressive and receptive language skills, including vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension.

• Fluency Therapy: Supports students with fluency disorders, such as stuttering.

• Voice Therapy: Addresses voice disorders, including pitch, quality, and volume.

• Pragmatic/Social Communication Skills: Focuses on improving social interaction and communication in various contexts.

Occupational Therapy Services:

• Fine Motor Skills Development: Targets activities such as handwriting, cutting, and manipulation of small objects.

• Sensory Processing Therapy: Addresses sensory differences, helping students and teachers understand and accommodate sensory needs.

• Self-Care Skills: Supports independence in tasks like dressing, grooming, and eating.

• Motor Planning and Coordination: Enhances overall motor coordination and planning for daily activities.

• Environmental Modifications: Recommends adjustments to the classroom environment for better accessibility.

• Executive Functioning: Help develop and accommodate executive functioning needs through direct interventions and strategies.

• Self-Advocacy Skills: Empowering students and equipping them with the tools to advocate for their needs in the classroom.

Physical Therapy Services:

• Gross Motor Skills Development: Focuses on improving coordination, balance, and strength for activities like walking, running, and playing.

• Mobility Training: Addresses challenges related to moving around the school environment.

• Posture and Body Mechanics: Helps students maintain proper posture and body alignment to attend to their academic curriculum.

• Adaptive Equipment and Assistive Devices: Recommends and assists with the use of tools that enhance mobility and function.

School-based evaluations for speech, occupational, and physical therapy are assessments conducted in an educational setting to determine if a student requires these related services to support their educational needs. Here's an overview of each type of evaluation:

Speech and Language Evaluation: Conducted by a speech-language pathologist to assess a student's communication skills, including speech sound production, language comprehension, expression, and pragmatic skills (social communication). The evaluation helps identify any speech or language disorders that may impact the student's ability to participate in educational activities.

Occupational Therapy Evaluation: Administered by an occupational therapist to assess a student's functional abilities related to daily living and school activities. This evaluation may include assessments of fine motor skills, handwriting, sensory processing, self-care skills, and overall motor coordination. The goal is to determine if occupational therapy services are necessary to support the student's participation in the school environment.

Physical Therapy Evaluation: Conducted by a physical therapist to assess a student's gross motor skills, mobility, strength, balance, and coordination. The evaluation helps determine if the student requires physical therapy services to address any physical challenges that may affect their ability to access and participate in the educational environment.

During these evaluations, professionals use standardized assessment tools, clinical observations, and interviews with parents, teachers, and the student to gather information. The results help in developing a comprehensive understanding of the student's strengths and areas of need.

If the evaluations indicate that a student requires services, an Individualized Education Program or a Section 504 plan may be developed. These plans outline the specific goals, accommodations, and services that will support the student's educational success. It is essential for parents and school staff to collaborate to ensure that the student's needs are effectively addressed through these services.

Empower your school community with comprehensive professional development offerings tailored to special education. Our expert-led sessions combine cutting-edge research with practical strategies, ensuring educators and therapists alike are equipped to support every student's unique needs effectively. From enhancing communication skills to fostering physical development, our programs foster collaboration and excellence in educational and therapeutic practices. We understand that every school is unique, which is why we offer customizable professional development options to align with your specific goals and priorities. From neurodiversity-affirming practices to assistive technology, our training modules cover a wide range of topics essential for promoting student success. Join us in our mission to create inclusive schools where every student can thrive.

Unlock the full potential of your school community with our comprehensive consultations tailored to meet the diverse needs of all students. Our team of occupational, physical, and speech therapists offers school-wide expertise to enhance inclusive learning environments. Potential consultation topics include:

• Sensory-Friendly Classroom Design

• Universal Design for Learning

• Fine Motor Skills Integration

• Inclusive Physical Education

• Environmental Accessibility

• Safe Movement Practices

• Communication-Friendly Classroom Practices

• Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Classrooms

Our consultations are designed to support every student's academic, social, and emotional development. Let us partner with your school to ensure that all students thrive in an environment that values diversity, accessibility, and holistic growth.