Occupational therapists and physiotherapists work as part of our educational team to assist children with disabilities achieve the best educational outcomes. Children who may be eligible for referral include students with disabilities in intellectual, physical, hearing, vision, speech-language impairment, autistic spectrum disorder, or multiple impairments. Teachers will discuss with parents the option to make a referral to the therapists when they can see the need for additional assistance and advice to help the child manage at school.
The type of service will vary according to the needs of the student and his or her educational program but could include:
telephone contact to clarify the child’s needs and other agencies’ involvement:
- a school visit to observe and/or assess the child and discuss needs with the team
- information presentations for parents and team members
- training for teachers or teacher aides in ways they can support the child
- introduction of equipment or programming resources
- adaptation of the child’s program or classroom set-up
- a period of regular classroom visits for the therapist to work with the child individually or in a group.
A parent consent form is completed for all referrals and forwarded to the occupational therapist or physiotherapist with a Service Request Form. If you have any questions about therapy services, please contact your child’s class teacher.
For further information please visit Occupational therapy services in state schools.