School-Based Practice
About School-Based Practice
Occupational and Physical therapy school-based practice is governed by IDEA, a federal law that ensures children with disabilities have access to free, appropriate public education (FAPE). They are crucial in ensuring that students with disabilities receive the comprehensive support they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. By addressing individual needs, related services help to remove barriers to learning and promote full participation in educational programs.
About School-Based Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) is a student-centered continuum of services provided by a licensed occupational therapist (OTR/L or OT/L) or a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA/L) who is supervised by an OTR/L or OT/L. OT services support students to engage in meaningful and necessary occupations that allow them to benefit from their educational programs. These occupations may include social interaction skills, personal care, academic learning activities, play and recreation, written communication, community integration, and work. Licensed school OT practitioners provide screenings, evaluations, consultations, and interventions. Interventions may include environmental modifications, task adaptations, the use of adaptive equipment and assistive technology, supporting the student to develop skills, contributing to transition planning, and providing education and collaborative consultation to other members of a student’s IEP team.
For more information, please go to: NC School-Based Occupational Therapy
About School-Based Physical Therapy
School-based physical therapists work with teachers, parents, and other members of the IEP team to help students with disabilities to benefit from their educational environment. They address daily activities such as moving through the school building and grounds, sitting in class, standing in line or at the board, outdoor play, etc. Licensed school PT practitioners provide screenings, evaluations, consultations, and interventions. 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.
For more information, please go to: NC School-Based Physical Therapy
Our Partnering District, Durham Public Schools
Durham Public Schools (DPS) is one of the top 10 largest in the state, serving more than 32,000 students in both the city and county of Durham. Durham Public Schools offers traditional schools, magnet programs, year-round calendar schools, and small specialty high schools. UNC and DPS have a longstanding relationship that includes fieldwork experiences for UNC OT and PT students within the Durham schools. DPS has a rich diversity of students and personnel. In addition, graduates of the UNC PT and OT programs often choose to work in DPS after their fieldwork experience. The Exceptional Children’s department is led by Dr. Kristin Bell and has a team of Physical and Occupational Therapists who will assist in hosting SHINES training project students. Lead OT Lenore Champion and Co-lead PTs Barbara Tapper and Christie Clem will partner with the SHINES training project team to implement high leverage practices.