This guide is designed to help individuals in the school setting understand that Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) are not substitutes for Physical Education and to increase their knowledge and skills on connecting with the physical education teachers in their schools and district. The Tips for Physical and Occupational Therapists in the School Setting to Promote Physical Education and Physical Activity will describe the reasons behind this to provide guidance on providing appropriate PT/OT services in the school setting and collaboratively working with the physical education teacher.
This guidebook was designed in collaboration with a group of students from Samford University in Homewood, AL under the direction of Dr. Allison Jackson to help physical therapists and occupational therapists understand what is legal and not legal in a school setting and their role in contributing to the health and wellness of a student. The students who contributed to this project were: Ellah Ball, Kara Brooke Bellenfant, Sarah-Ashby Calhoun, Georgia Cook, Maggie Corbitt, Anna Covington, Robby DeFelice, Elaina Dorsey, Chase Fry, Erin Gearhart, Angel Grissom, Anna Huntington, Abbie Jones, Caroline Kaylor, Kathryn Kizziah.