The Wisconsin Occupational Therapy Association (WOTA) and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee are jointly offering an online educational orientation for Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants and Physical Therapist Assistants new to school-based practice. This educational opportunity would benefit any OT or PT practitioner whether they are hired directly by a school district, contracted privately to a school district or employed by an agency and placed in a school setting.
Working in school-based practice requires a unique knowledge base. This course is designed to familiarize OT and PT practitioners with the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Wisconsin Administrative Rules for Special Education and Related Services, school-based assessment and intervention including paperwork requirements and evidence-based best practice standards for school therapists. The educational model of service delivery will be distinguished from the medical model through analysis of Federal and State Special Education Laws. Evaluation and intervention that relates to the general curriculum and least restrictive educational environment for children with disabilities will also be discussed. This course is designed to help OT and PT practitioners establish an understanding of their role on special education teams and to enable them to work effectively with students in school settings.
Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to interact with a network of other therapists for ongoing collaboration and learning.