Physical Therapy
In the Easterseals Western and Central Pennsylvania's Linda Lanham Zeszutek School Program physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapy assistants (PTAs) assist our students with physical disabilities to actively participate in and benefit from their educational setting. Physical therapists use their expertise in movement and apply clinical reasoning through the process of examination, evaluation, and intervention. Our physical therapists are part of a student’s classroom team and help each child to access and participate in school activities using such strategies as:
- Adapting toys for play
- Expanding mobility options
- Using equipment effectively
- Positioning during daily routines and activities
- Facilitating safety for the school, home, and community
Our school PTs and PTAs use evidence-based techniques to provide the following services as part of a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP):
- Developmental activities
- Movement and mobility
- Strengthening
- Motor learning
- Balance and coordination
- Recreation, play, and leisure
- Adaptation of daily care activities and routines
- Equipment design, fabrication, and fitting
- Tone management
- Use of assistive technology
- Posture, positioning, and lifting
- Orthotics and prosthetics
Physical therapists provide therapy both individually and integrated into the classroom and also in groups that may be co-facilitated by other classroom team members such as teachers, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. Examples of these groups include: Sensory Motor, Yoga, and Courageous Pacers. The groups provide our students a fun and interactive way to work on motor, educational, and communication goals.
