The Laws
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The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires the provision of a free and appropriate education to children and youths with a disability. Related services are provided if they are necessary to enable a student to participate in an educational program. Occupational therapy and physical therapy are types of related services.
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Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability. If a student is eligible for protection under Section 504, related services are provided if they are necessary to enable that student to participate in an educational program.
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- The Service Delivery Model
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NORTHSIDE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT provides a comprehensive range of occupational and physical therapy services that are implemented primarily in a integrative programming model. Students who receive integrative services often demonstrate significant benefits because their programs are functionally designed to be implemented daily in the natural environments of home and school. Integrative services also facilitate the student's inclusion into the least restrictive learning environment.
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Northside therapists believe that family members can offer a significant contribution in the development of an appropriate educational plan. Communication with the family from the time of referral until the student no longer needs occupational or physical therapy services is very important.
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The Therapies
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OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY is the application of purposeful, goal-directed activity in the evaluation, problem identification, and / or treatment of persons whose function is impaired by physical illness or injury, emotional disorder, or congenital or developmental disabilities. Occupational therapy services are provided by therapists and therapy assistants who are licensed by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners.
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PHYSICAL THERAPY includes evaluation, program planning and implementation of physical or corrective measures in the management of individuals with disabilities resulting from birth, illness or injury. Physical therapy services are provided by therapists and therapist assistants who are licensed by the Texas board of Physical Therapy Examiners.
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Northside occupational and physical therapists are committed to facilitating the student's access to and participation in the educational program. The services provided must be both educationally relevant and educationally necessary. In other words, the services must be related to the student's Individual Educational Program (IEP).
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Determination of Services
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- A student who qualifies for Special Education or services under Section 504 may be referred for occupational and/or physical therapy screening.
- A referral is made if the student has a difficulty in one of the previously mentioned areas, and that difficulty interferes with implementation of the IEP.
- Screening may indicate that a comprehensive evaluation is necessary. The evaluation process may include:
- Standardized tests
- Informal assessment
- Student observation
- Information from school records, educational staff, family, and medical personnel
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Based on the evaluation, necessity and frequency of service(s) are recommended to the ARD committee by the therapist(s) after the student's IEP and program placement have been determined.
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When the student no longer requires occupation or physical therapy services, the ARD committee will discontinue services based on recommendation(s) from the therapists(s).
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Variety of Services Provided
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- Assistance with the development of the IEP, including suggestions for techniques and strategies
- Provision of, assistance with, and instruction in the use of specialized equipment
- Recommendations for adaptation of the environment to facilitate learning
- Assurance of campus accessibility
- Participation in parent conferences
- Liaison services between family, educational staff, medical providers and relevant community agencies
- Inservice training on topics related to therapists' expertise
- Participation on Northside planning committees and task forces
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The intent of the Northside Independent School District is that students receiving occupational and/or physical therapy services will derive maximum benefit from their educational programs.
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