Physical therapy (school-based)
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School-based physical therapy helps students move safely and independently around school, with goals for mobility, balance, strength and access.
Topic: Services, placement and staff
In plain terms
School PTs work on what a student needs to participate: walking or wheeling between classes, using stairs, getting on the bus, joining recess and PE, and positioning for learning. They also train staff in safe transfers and equipment use. The focus is educational access rather than medical rehabilitation.
How it shows up in an IEP
PT goals describe function in school settings: "will walk from the classroom to the cafeteria with a walker in under 4 minutes, with standby support." Data often uses duration, distance or level of assistance.
Example
A student with cerebral palsy has a PT goal to climb the 12 stairs to the library with one hand on the rail and supervision only, measured weekly.
The rule
Federal reference: 34 CFR §300.34(c)(9).
Related terms
- Gross motor skillsGross motor skills are movements of the large muscles of the body, used for walking, running, jumping, climbing, balance and coordination.
- Orthopedic impairmentUnder IDEA, orthopedic impairment is a severe physical impairment, such as cerebral palsy, that adversely affects a student's educational performance.
- Adaptive equipmentAdaptive equipment is gear that helps a student with a disability sit, move, eat, write or take part in activities more independently.
- Adapted physical educationAdapted physical education is physical education specially designed for a student who cannot fully take part in general PE, even with accommodations.
- Related servicesRelated services are supports, such as speech therapy, transportation or counseling, that a student needs to benefit from special education.
On IEP Atlas
- Gross Motor Skills IEP goals
- Physical Fitness & PE Participation IEP goals
- IEP goals for physical therapists
This page describes special education terms and federal rules in general terms and is not legal advice. Our editorial policy explains how IEP Atlas writes and reviews content. Browse all 244 terms.