Physical Therapy (PT): emphasizes the acquisition of basic motor skills necessary for functional mobility about the school environment as well as the physical capability for participating with peers during education and recess. Areas of focus for the school physical therapist include:
- Gross motor skills: activities that use large muscles
- Mobility skills: moving safely throughout the school environment, including entering and exiting the school bus
- Postural control and alignment needed to perform school activities and for increasing independence in life skills
Occupational therapy (OT): emphasizes the acquisition of or compensation for functional performance skills needed by students during their educational experience:
- Fine motor skills: small, finely coordinated hand movements
- Visual perceptual skills: the ability to understand and interpret what is seen
- Visual motor skills: the ability to coordinate visual skills and motor skills
- Self care skills: feeding, dressing, hygiene, and toileting skills for increasing independence in necessary life skills
Both physical and occupational therapists may address the following areas:
- Strength and endurance
- Body awareness
- Classroom positioning and adaptations
- Sensory motor skills necessary for participation in an educational program
Physical therapists and occupational therapists have similar training. Occupational therapists receive more training in oral and hand skill interventions and physical therapists receive more training gross motor and postural development.
