Occupational & Physical Therapy

As part of the Exceptional Student Education Department, the Occupational Therapy (OT) & Physical Therapy (PT) practitioners support the success and education of Sarasota County public school students.

What Is School-Based Occupational and/or Physical Therapy?

• OT/PT is a federally mandated related service, identified in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It is available to those students in an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program.
• Once student goals are established in the Individual Education Plan (IEP), the IEP team decides whether OT/PT support is required for student success.
• OT/PT services could be provided anywhere in the school setting.
• OT/PT services may occur by working directly with the student.
• Other OT/PT services may be more indirect, or "on behalf of the student." These may include setting up strategies, modifications or accommodations within the student’s environment.
• Consultation and/or collaboration with school staff and caregivers is another part of OT/PT school services.
• Areas addressed by OT may include the use of classroom tools and manipulatives, cutting, handwriting, assistive technology, self-help skills, organization, social skills, independent living skills, and sensory issues affecting education.
• Areas addressed by PT may include independent living skills, safe mobility, access to equipment and supplies in an educational environment.
• The OT/PT staff is also involved in Response to Intervention, the newest initiative that provides interventions to students before ESE placement.