This article addresses the challenges educators face when attempting to find a balance between both functional and academic skill instruction for students with severe, multiple disabilities including motor impairments. The authors describe a strategy that employs embedded instruction of early numeracy and functional motor skills during physical…

Since the 1990s the number of children with disabilities placed within the general education classroom has steadily increased. Many of these children are provided special education services under the generic disability title "intellectual disability." Over the past decade, there has been a significant amount of research concerning rare…

This case report describes the impact of the post-professional doctor of physical therapy curriculum on the role of one physical therapist employed as a special education related service provider. Physical therapists working in the public school setting play an important role in promoting success for students with physical disabilities as…

By 2020, all graduates of accredited physical therapy programs will receive the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Bachelor degrees in physical therapy are no longer granted, and over 83% (N = 176 accredited programs) of the entry-level physical therapy education programs already grant the DPT degree. The purpose of this article is to…

Each year, the United States Department of Education collects data on the number of children with disabilities and the number of service providers meeting their needs in the educational system. The purpose of this investigation was to reanalyze the U.S. Department of Education data to determine state and regional ratios of physical therapists and…

Norman Kunc, consultant on educational and disability issues, discusses his early segregated education and perceived devaluation due to his cerebral palsy; the intrusion of therapies into his daily schedule; and the sometimes assaultive nature of physical therapy. Kunc views his disability as a characteristic of his personal diversity and…

The purpose of this study was to identify the major characteristics of postpolio syndrome (PPS), investigate physical and psychological limitations, and comprehensively review current medical interventions through a single subject design. The study addresses the symptoms and characteristics, the effect on life style, and the current recommended…

Collaborative teamwork is viewed by many as a characteristic of effective working relationships between adults who provide special education and related services in educational settings. Although a substantial body of research exists on the philosophy and practice of collaborative teamwork, the contributions of veteran team members regarding which…

The need for more interdisciplinary training for professionals who deliver services to students with multiple disabilities was examined in a survey of 50 occupational therapists, 50 physical therapists, 50 speech-language pathologists and 50 teachers in clinical or educational settings in Kentucky. The survey found a need for interdisciplinary…

Children learn through movement and interactions with their environment and/or with others. For children who have physical limitations, this natural developmental process is affected. The use of assistive technology to enhance movement, communication, play and learning allows the child with physical impairments to learn in a more independent…