OCCUPATIONAL & PHYSICAL THERAPY (OT/PT)
- TCESC’s Occupational and Physical Therapy Department provides services to school districts throughout Trumbull County.
- Occupational and physical therapists assist school children in becoming as independent as possible and in developing daily living skills necessary to progress in school. In some cases, occupational therapists design and fabricate splints and adaptive aids to further foster independence.
- Therapy often focuses on activities performed with the upper extremities.
- Occupational Therapists break tasks into sub skills and help children to develop these skills. For young children, the focus is on learning through play activities. For older children, OT focuses on handwriting, keyboarding, manipulation of school tools, self-care and prevocational tasks.
- Occupational therapists are trained to treat students holistically while addressing their cognitive, emotional and physical needs through activity based treatment.
- Physical therapy takes a total body approach to treating students while emphasizing skills involving the lower extremities.
- Physical therapists focus on the student’s ability to safely and efficiently move about the school setting. This may involve the use of canes, crutches, walkers and wheelchairs.
- Physical Therapists also teach proper lift techniques and proper posture to protect the back when performing daily tasks.
- Both physical and occupational therapists focus on a student’s ability to safely ride the school bus. This involves training and/or equipment. Training programs are available for transportation personnel.