Overcoming or Accommodating a Child’s Physical Limitations
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A child with only partial use of one hand
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A child with poor eye sight that glasses can’t correct
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A child who uses adaptive equipment for mobility
For children who face learning challenges like these and many more, ACES can help. The Extension Therapy Services (ETS) Department provides occupational, physical and speech therapy, to special education students on a contractual basis. Our goal is to provide high quality, cost effective, educationally related services in the child’s natural environment. This department provides similar services as the Pupil Services Department. However, Pupil Services is only for those children who attend ACES schools. ETS is contracted to provide services to children in our member school district’s schools.
ETS services available through ACES include:
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OT and PT Assessments
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OT and PT as a “related service” through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan
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Support and in-service to school personnel
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Training and modeling
To see who may qualify for these and other ETS services, click here.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
School based occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) focus on assisting students to acquire the functional abilities necessary to access educational materials and adapt to their educational environment. They may help students with daily activities related to educational participation, adapt the performance context, teach alternative methods, or facilitate the use of assistive devices. OTs assess sensory motor areas and address concerns impacting the student’s ability to learn.
OTs and COTAs must have graduated from an accredited occupational therapy program before taking the national accreditation examination for certification. Licensure to practice is required in Connecticut.
For more information, get the Guidelines for Occupational Therapy in School Settings below:
Physical Therapy (PT)
School-based physical therapists (PTs) focus on assisting students to acquire the functional abilities necessary to access educational materials and adapt to their educational environment. They may help students with daily activities related to educational participation, adapt the performance context, teach alternative methods, or facilitate the use of assistive devices. Physical therapists in schools work with other educational professionals, members of the community and families to help all students engage in their educational activities. This collaboration is also the foundation for promoting the participation of students with disabilities in the general educational environment. PTs assess the areas of safety, access, and mobility and their impact on the student’s ability to learn.
PTs must have a graduate or doctoral degree from an accredited physical therapy program. Connecticut licensure is required to practice.
For more information, get the Guidelines for Physical Therapy in School Settings below:
