Helping students of all physical abilities thrive in the classroom

School based Physical Therapy Services and Assistive Technology Solutions to Increase Access and Participation

Challenges your Schools may Face Supporting Students with physical Impairments

  • Your students want to join friends on the playground but have difficulty with balance and navigating when there are too many students

  • There is a lack of appropriate equipment and customization hinders progress towards independence

  • Staff is eager to support students but are unsure how to safely and effectively assist students with physical impairments

Imagine a school where every student thrives!

What if your students went to school and had a customized experience that could look like this...

—Using low cost custom 3D-printed utensil holder that enabled them to independently eat snack with their friends at lunch

—Safe and efficient transfers with assistive devices for personal care in the nearest restroom without having to walk all the way across campus to use a designated restroom.

—Spending more time with friends and peers without the need of an instructional assistant watching over their every move.

—Students access and participate in any activity because physical barriers are no longer obstacles to learning, connection, and success.

And let’s be honest, it's not just the students that need help, the teachers also need to be supported

Picture a school where…

  • Classroom staff have access to expert guidance and practical solutions for addressing the diverse needs of their students.

  • Customized assistive technology and training empower teachers to seamlessly integrate inclusive practices into their classrooms.

  • Educators feel supported, confident, and capable of helping every student reach their full potential without additional stress or time spent outside of school hours preparing their next modified lesson.

Tailored Solutions for Empowered Educational Experiences

Tailored Evaluations for Unique Student Needs

Our school based physical therapy assessments are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of each student's unique abilities and challenges to ensure they can thrive in their educational environment. The assessment process includes:

  • Functional Skills Evaluation: We assess the student's functional abilities in relation to their capacity to access and participate in their educational program. This ensures that recommendations are practical, actionable, and aligned with their learning objectives.

  • In-Depth Medical Review: We conduct a thorough analysis of the student's medical history, focusing on factors that impact their academic success. This includes reviewing relevant diagnoses, therapies, and any medical interventions or considerations that influence their learning experience.

  • Collaborative Interviews: To gain a holistic understanding, we engage with the student, their family, and key staff members, such as teachers, aides, and therapists. This collaborative approach ensures that every perspective is considered when creating a support plan.

  • Observational and Standardized Testing: Using clinical observational skills and appropriate standardized assessments, we evaluate the student's physical, social, and emotional engagement within their learning environment. This data is critical for identifying specific areas of need.

  • Comprehensive Reporting: We compile all findings into a detailed and actionable report, which includes tailored recommendations for equipment, services, and accommodations. Our goal is to ensure these recommendations integrate seamlessly into the student's daily routines.

  • Focus on Belonging and Participation: Above all, our primary objective is to enable meaningful participation within the classroom. We strive to ensure that students are fully included in activities alongside their peers, fostering a sense of belonging and community.

  • Emergency Evacuation Plan Development: We create safe and effective evacuation strategies tailored for students with physical impairments. These plans are designed to ensure students can be safely evacuated during emergencies, with considerations for their specific needs and challenges.

By considering every aspect of a student’s day and environment, our assessments provide schools and families with the tools and strategies needed to support each student in achieving their fullest potential.

Consult and Direct Services: Hands-On and Advisory Support

We offer a blend of consultative and direct services to address the diverse needs of students and their educational teams. These services are specifically designed to ensure students can access and actively participate in their educational programs alongside their peers.

  • Consultative Support: Through consultation, we provide guidance and expertise to all teachers working with students. This includes collaborating with a wide range of service providers, such as occupational therapists, speech therapists, vision specialists, orientation and mobility specialists, audiologists, and adapted physical education specialists. Our consultative services foster a team approach, ensuring cohesive and comprehensive support for each student.

  • Direct Support Services: We offer skilled, hands-on intervention to address functional participation throughout the school day. These services focus on empowering students to overcome barriers and engage fully in their classroom and school activities. Direct support is tailored to meet individual needs, ensuring students receive targeted assistance that aligns with their goals and educational plans.

By combining consultative and direct services, we aim to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where all students can thrive, and their educational teams feel confident and supported in their roles.

Staff Development and Training: Empowering Educators with Knowledge and Confidence

Our staff development and training programs are designed to equip educators with the tools, knowledge, and skills they need to confidently support students with diverse needs. Each training session is tailored to the specific needs of the participants and their unique student populations. These sessions include safe transfers and body mechanics, practical strategies, equipment use, safety and emergency preparedness, and ongoing support. By empowering educators with the confidence and expertise needed to address diverse student needs, our training programs foster a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for all.


Meet Your ATypical Physical Therapist

I’m Rachel, an expert in school-based physical therapy with a passion for innovation, inclusion, and belonging. My mission is to empower students with physical impairments or limitations by providing tools and strategies that enhance their independence and participation.

With over 12 years of experience, I specialize in assistive technology solutions such as 3D-printed tools, wheelchair-mounted communication devices, and equipment modifications. My commitment to universal design learning ensures every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Who is this for?

Our services are designed for school districts who are committed to creating inclusive, accessible, and supportive environments for students with varying physical abilities so they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, while fostering a sense of belonging and independence in their educational journey.

Envision your school as a place where...

  • All students, regardless of physical ability, can thrive academically and socially.

  • Customized, practical solutions support students with mobility, communication, and positioning needs.

  • The right equipment is in place quickly and cost-effectively, tailored to student’s needs through expert guidance on procurement and modifications.

  • Relevant and engaging professional development and training is offered throughout the year to empower all staff to confidently support students with physical impairments.

  • Detailed emergency evacuation plans are tailored to the needs of students with supported hands on training for staff to practice.

Let’s work together to ensure every student has the tools, support, and opportunities they deserve.

FAQ

  • We aim to begin services as soon as possible after the initial consultation and contract agreement. Timelines depend on the complexity of your needs and the availability of required equipment.

  • We specialize in 3D-printed classroom tools, wheelchair mounts for communication devices, positioning equipment modifications (e.g., chairs, standing frames, walking devices), and other customized solutions designed to meet each student’s unique needs.

  • Yes! We offer both consultation and direct services. This includes individual assessments, hands-on intervention, and customized recommendations to ensure students receive the best support.

  • Our plans assess the physical and mobility needs of each student, consider the school environment, and provide clear, practical steps for safe evacuation during emergencies. We also train staff on how to implement these plans effectively.

  • Yes! We offer professional development sessions for educators and staff, focusing on how to confidently support students with orthopedic impairments, use assistive technology, and implement equipment adaptations.

  • We assist with assessing equipment needs and sourcing the right tools for your students. While we don’t directly sell equipment, we work with trusted suppliers to ensure you get high-quality, cost-effective solutions and can help with paperwork to access Low Incidence funds.

  • Yes, we provide services throughout the school year and can also assist with planning during summer breaks to prepare for the upcoming academic year.

  • While our primary focus is on public school districts in Santa Clara County, we are happy to discuss customized services for private schools as well.

  • The first step is scheduling a consultation to discuss your school’s needs and goals. From there, we’ll create a customized plan and contract to address your specific challenges. You can also email us at hello@atypicalpt.com to get the conversation started

  • We believe in building long-term partnerships. We provide ongoing consultation, re-evaluation, and training as needed to adapt to changing needs or new students.