About OI and OT/PT Services
Occupational Therapy (OT)
The High Desert Education Service District’s Occupational Therapists help to maximize a child’s independence both at home (ages birth to 3) and in the educational setting (ages 3 to 21). OT’s collaborate with students, families, teachers and school staff to meet each child’s individual needs as stated on the child’s IEP/IFSP/504 plan. OT services can include evaluation and development of intervention strategies to improve fine motor, sensory motor, self-regulation, and daily living skills in order to facilitate their development (birth-3) or access their education (3-21).
Physical Therapy (PT)
The High Desert Education Service District’s Physical Therapists focus on self-sufficiency and safety mobility to maximize a child’s independence both at home (ages birth to 3) and in the educational setting (ages 3 to 21). Therapists collaborate with students, families, teachers and school staff to meet each child’s individual needs. PT services include a wide range of support including access, mobility and to identify type and monitor use of equipment.
Referrals
For school-age children referrals for an evaluation are made by a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team or their district’s special education office. For children Birth to Five referrals are made through their early intervention or early childhood special education team.