The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) defines school based physical therapy as follows:

Physical therapy is a related service provided to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education. School physical therapy focuses on a child's ability to move as independently as possible in the school environment. The school physical therapist evaluates the child's ability to move throughout the school and to participate in classroom activities.

The decision of whether a child with a disability qualifies for school physical therapy is made by a team. This team determines whether the child has a disability, has a need for special education, and requires related services such as physical therapy.

Physical therapy interventions are designed to enable the student to travel throughout the school environment; participate in classroom activities; maintain and change positions in the classroom; as well as manage stairs, restrooms, and the cafeteria.

All physical therapists are licensed by the State of Wisconsin and Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

For more information about Physical Therapy, please visit the following sites:

www.dpi.state.wi.us – Department of Public Instruction

http://www.wpta.org/ -Wisconsin Physical Therapy Assoication

www.apta.org/ -American Physical Therapy Association

PHYSICAL THERAPY STAFF