Assessing mobility, strength, and access to ensure every student can navigate their learning environment safely.
School-based Physical Therapy is legally distinct from outpatient clinical rehabilitation. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the primary mandate of educational PT is ensuring that students with orthopedic impairments or gross motor limitations can safely navigate their campus, maintain seated stability, and participate equitably in school activities.
At CAS Evaluations, our California-licensed Physical Therapists (PTs) conduct independent evaluations that objectively measure gross motor development, postural stability, wheelchair seating ergonomics, and accessible environmental navigation across classrooms, playgrounds, and hallways.
Comprehensive functional mobility batteries measuring educational accessibility and safety.
Evaluating independent walking endurance, stair ascension/descension, curbs, ramps, heavy door navigation, and emergency evacuation speed.
Assessing core trunk stability, head and pelvis alignment during desk instruction, floor seating transitions, and fatigue mitigation.
Measuring dynamic balance, ball skills, bilateral coordination, and playground surface navigation (grass, asphalt, wood chips).
Clinical evaluation and sizing for pediatric gait trainers, standers, manual/power wheelchairs, orthotics (AFOs), and adaptive trikes.
Defensible physical therapy service models engineered for California IEP adoption.
Detailed evacuation safety roadmaps, elevator keys, adapted route schedules, and specialized transport/bus harness provisions.
Mandated classroom stander schedules, adaptive desk height specifications, and staff training protocols for safe student transfers.
Measurable objective benchmarks targeting independent cafeteria navigation, balance maintenance during line-ups, and playground access.
Ensure your child receives the physical therapy services, accommodations, and adaptive equipment they are legally guaranteed under IDEA.
PT is a related service under IDEA. It is required when a student needs physical therapy intervention to benefit from their special education program—for example, to move between classrooms or sit upright during lessons.
Generally, PT focuses on gross motor skills (walking, balance, large muscle groups) and mobility. OT focuses on fine motor skills (handwriting, using tools) and sensory processing.