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Program for the Orthopedically Impaired

Occupational therapists and physical therapists in this program provide services to enhance educational and developmental success for children with severe motor impairments. This educationally related service may consist of a combination of direct intervention and consultation with school staff and families based on individual child needs.

Services

Evaluation
Children referred for evaluation are assessed for developmental and functional fine motor and gross motor skills, positioning, equipment needs, activities of daily living, and mobility.

Consultation
Therapists provide direct consultation to school staff and families for children eligible for services. School teachers and interventionists are assisted with program development and interpretation of medical information. Inservice training opportunities are available to enhance knowledge and understanding of issues impacting children's progress toward IFSP and IEP goals.

Integrated Direct Service
Therapists assist in the implementation of IFSP and IEP goals with a focus on adaptations and functional skills that promote progress toward those goals. Therapists provide support to school staff toward the collaborative implementation of students' and children's goals.

Adaptive or Specialized Equipment
A library of equipment is available for loan including assistive technology, positioning equipment, recreational equipment, and mobility aids.

Eligibility

The Oregon Administrative Rules (OARS) describe the guidelines to determine eligibility for these services.

To facilitate the evaluation process, a checklist ( 76K) of motor, self-care, and sensory behaviors should be completed and submitted along with referral paperwork. For more information on OT/PT in the public schools, read Scope of School Services: OT and PT.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

OT provided in the schools help students maintain and develop skills that will lead to independence in personal, social, academic and vocational pursuits.

Areas addressed by the OT include but are not limited to:

• Fine motor skills
• Visual motor skills
• Modification of equipment and environment
• Self-help/ feeding skills
• Adaptive technology
• Psychosocial skills
• Play and recreation

Physical Therapy (PT)

The role of the PT in the schools is to promote motor skills, strength and coordination, functional posture, appropriate positioning and mobility in the school setting.

Areas addressed by the PT include, but are not limited to:

• Gross motor skills
• Positioning
• Safe handling techniques
• Wheelchair and equipment needs
• Postural control
• Gait training/mobility skills
• Braces, splints, prosthetics
• Transfer techniques
• Environmental adaptations and accessibility