Physical Therapists (PTs) and Occupational Therapists (OTs) evaluate students to determine their service needs.  As a related service, PTs and OTs provide developmental, corrective, and other supportive services as are required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from Special Education (Special Education Rules and Regulations § 300.24).  Goals and objectives/benchmarks are determined to help the student develop, improve, or maintain skills directly specific to functioning within the school environment with an emphasis in:

• Adapting to and physically functioning within the educational environment
• Focusing on skills and compensatory strategies needed to support instructional objectives
• Promoting the student’s independence within the individualized educational program

Objectives/Benchmarks

Physical therapy objectives/benchmarks can be addressed through direct physical therapy, consultation with parents/teachers/other support staff, positioning, mobility throughout the school, wheelchair mobility, providing/fitting adaptive equipment, transfer/lift training, and motor skills development for educational activity.

Occupational therapy objectives/benchmarks can be addressed through direct occupational therapy, consultation with parents/ teachers/ other support staff, positioning, providing/fitting adaptive equipment, self care skills, and motor skills development for educational activity. 

Physical Therapists

PTs must have a degree from an accredited physical therapy program before taking the national licensure exam.  A license is required by each state and requires renewal every two years in the state of Texas.

Occupational Therapists

OTs must have a degree from an accredited occupational therapy program before taking the national licensure exam.  A license is required by each state and requires renewal every two years in the state of Texas.