Program Description

The Innovations in School-Based Physical Therapy Practice Course (Innovations) highlights advanced practice issues and foundational information for school-based practice. Sessions will provide information on decision-making and educationally relevant physical therapy services to support educational programs for students with disabilities. Nationally recognized speakers will address federal laws, assessment, service provision, specific student populations, and innovations in practice. This 2-day conference is intended for physical therapists who provide or intend to provide related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

By the end of the course, participants will:

  1. Understand foundational federal laws and regulations for ensuring a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), including provision of required related services for students with disabilities under IDEA and Section 504.
  2. Apply evidence and data to individualize and make appropriate decisions regarding evaluation, outcome measures, models of service delivery, individualization, advocacy, and evidence-informed interventions.
  3. Apply knowledge gained to influence and advocate for appropriate services, staffing, physical activity and fitness, collaboration across practice settings, adequate supports and self-determination for students with disabilities.
  4. Incorporate evidenced-informed evaluation and intervention for students with complex disability.
  5. Describe the role of school-based physical therapy in provision of assistive technology, individualized transportation services, and to prepare students and their families for adulthood through post-school transition.

Event Information

Call for Platform Proposals (due 5/8)! Seeking proposals for 15-minute presentations on topics of interest to school-based physical therapists for the 2023 Innovations in School-Based Physical Therapy Practice Course. These may be special interest or research topics. Please send in the following information by May 8 to Susan Effgen at seffgen@uky.edu: