Occupational and Physical Therapy Services

Zina Young OTR/L, Health Services Coordinator

Tazewell Mason Counties Special Education Association offers Occupational and Physical therapy services to students 3-21 years old, with an IEP or 504 Plan to our 21 member districts. Currently we provide therapy services to 13 of our 21 member district, Schramm Educational Center and TMCSEA Robein Satellite programs.




HELPFUL HINTS

Ergonomics:

Sensory:

Adapted Papers:

Fine Motor/Handwriting:

Activities of Daily Living:

Gross Motor:

Tools:

Forms:

Motor Clinic

Dr. Morgan, a Developmental Pediatrician from Peoria School of Medicine, provides TMCSEA with medical consultation services regarding therapeutic programming for students in the educational setting for parents, therapists, and educational staff. This clinic is available to all 21 TMCSEA member districts and is offered at Schramm Educational Center in a Clinic forum throughout the school year.

Warm Water Therapy

Therapeutic use of warm water is one of the oldest and most effective types of treatment for students with physical disabilities. Only water can provide consistent resistance from range of motion while offering support to the body. Children are more comfortable in warm water and therefore more willing to try new skills. Water resistance and warm temperatures relax muscles, thereby reducing spasticity and pain. Due to physical properties of water students can exercise and move in ways not possible on land. In addition to the physical benefits that warm water therapy has on the body, there is also the emotional enrichment. As a child develops the ability to move and enjoy the water, there is a definite improvement in their self-awareness and self-esteem. The achievement of simple skills gives the child a sense of independence and accomplishment.

ISBE Information

"School-based therapy is integrated into the school's educational objectives. Occupational therapist and physical therapist can provide support to the total educational system. They can assist with problem solving to eliminate barriers that hinder access to educational environments and assist with modifications and accomodations to support students in their regular education program. The school system also provides the therapy specified on the Section 504 plan or, as deemed necessary by the team, for achievement of a student's identified educational goals and objectives/benchmarks. When occupational therapy and physical therapy are provided as educational services, decisions regarding what type of therapy is provided, how it is provided and who is to provide it are directly tied to the student's overall educational program..." This information is for the Educational Relevance section of the Re commended practices for occupational and physical therapy services in Illinois schools, Illinois State Board of Education 2003.


Websites