Occupational/Physical Therapy Services

The Occupational/Physical Therapy (OT/PT) Program provides educational support to students with fine and/or gross motor needs. Both therapies are considered to be related services when delivered within the school environment.

Intermediate Unit 1 contracts with Registered Occupational Therapists, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, and Registered Physical Therapists licensed in the state of Pennsylvania to provide services for students in accordance with their individualized education plans (IEPs). A school-based therapy model is utilized within the educational setting. The goal of the school-based therapist is to assess student functioning in the school setting. Strategies or direct services to help the student achieve their educational goals are provided. Service delivery models include direct individual or small group pull out therapy, classroom based therapy and consultative services.

Procedures

The procedure for obtaining Occupational and/or Physical Therapy evaluations and services through Intermediate Unit 1 will be as follows:

  1. Once the school-based team has made the decision that an OT and/or PT evaluation is warranted (either as a result of a parent request, review of data, etc.) the local educational agency (LEA) must do the following:
    • Issue a Permission to Evaluate/Reevaluate
    • Complete the Classroom Checklist for OT and/or PT
    • Complete the Referral for Support Services form, including the LEA’s signature. (Referrals will not be processed without this signature.)
    • Send all five documents to: Jamie Bogol
      IU1 OT/PT Service Coordinator
      724-938-3241 ext. 418
      jamie.bogol@iu1.org
  2. Once all the required documents are received, the OT/PT Service Coordinator will forward the referral paperwork to the appropriate agency/therapist.
  3. After the evaluation is completed, a written report will be sent to the LEA to disseminate to the person(s) responsible for writing the Evaluation Report (ER) or Reevaluation Report (RR).
  4. If the school based team determines that the student is in need of services, the IEP team will meet to develop an IEP.
  5. If the student has a disability but does not need special education services, the team can consider developing a Chapter 15 Service Agreement.
  6. Upon completion of either meeting, the LEA will forward copy of the IEP or Service Agreement to the agency so that services can begin for the student. Services cannot be initiated without a student's IEP or Service Agreement. School districts should not contact therapists directly to schedule services.

Forms

Online Resources

For More Information

For more information about the IU1 OT/PT program, please contact:

Charisse Bowman
Supervisor of Mental Health Services
724-938-3241 ext. 246
charisse.bowman@iu1.org