Physical and Occupational Therapy

The PT/OT Team at Key Center

Physical Therapy: Mary Walker, Rebecca Lyons and Carolyn Rapoza.	Occupational Therapy: Jan Lipscomb, Kristen Miller, Debbie Gauthreaux, Regina Koffman, Alicia Bresley

Physical and Occupational Therapists observe and assess students to determine how motor and sensory problems affect the students’ ability to benefit from special education services.  Therapists work with the student and educational team to promote mobility in school and within the classroom setting.  The therapists provide strategies to improve general strength and endurance and hand use, as needed to manipulate school tools.  Factors which may affect student performance, such as limited hand function or sensory regulation problems, may interfere with gathering supplies, working with varied textures and materials, self – care (feeding self, removing coats and gloves, etc.), and organizing self.  Therapists make suggestions about ways to make accommodations or modifications to meet the needs of the student. Therapists may also provide ideas, adaptive equipment, and suggested activities.  Parents should note that school-based therapy services are different than medically based services in that the former address functioning related to educational needs.    

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