What is School Based Rehabilitation Services (SBRS)?
Pathways Health Centre for Children provides School Based Rehabilitation Services (SBRS) to students from JK through Grade 12. Services include support in Occupational Therapy (OT), Physiotherapy (PT), and some Speech-Language Therapy (SLP).
These services are provided in collaboration with the following publicly funded school boards:
- Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB)
- Clair Catholic District School Board (SCCDSB)
- Conseil scolaire catholique Providence
- Conseil scolaire Viamonde
Who Are We:
Our multidisciplinary team includes Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapist Assistants, Physiotherapists, Physiotherapist Assistants, Speech Language Pathologists, and Communicative Disorder Assistants.
Occupational Therapists (OT):
Master’s Degree – Must be registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA):
Postsecondary Diploma – All are under the supervision of a Physiotherapist and/or Occupational Therapist
Physiotherapists (PT):
University degree, B.SC. (P.T.) or M.P.T. – Must be registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario
Physiotherapist Assistants (PTA):
Postsecondary Diploma – All are under the supervision of a Physiotherapist and/or Occupational Therapist
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP):
Master’s Degree – Must be registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario
Communicative Disorders Assistants (CDA):
Post Graduate Diploma/Certificate – from a recognized Communicative Disorders Assistant program
Who we Serve:
SBRS Supports:
- Students from JK through Grade 12 in publicly funded schools in Sarnia-Lambton
- Students with rehabilitation needs that impact their ability to safely access the curriculum and functionally participate in school
- See the Resources section below for information about:
- Students receiving in-home instruction
- Students attending private schools
- In-school nursing support
What we provide:
Our team collaborates with students, families and educators to set goals and provide practical strategies. Services may include:
- Whole-class, universally designed instruction and supports
- Teacher education and resource sharing
- Parent/caregiver training and resource sharing
- Consultation
- One-to-one or small group sessions
- Home programming
Assessment:
Prior to beginning any course of treatment, the clinician will work with you to identify individualized therapy goals that are important to you and your child to allow them to enjoy and participate fully in life. Assessment may include a review of your child/youth’s history, clinical observation of skills, standardized assessment, parent questionnaires, and parent/child interviews.
Intervention
Intervention strategies may relate to the development of:
Speech Language Pathology
SBRS SLP provides support for students with rehabilitation concerns related to:
- Dysfluency/stuttering
- Moderate to severe articulation
- Motor speech difficulties
- Voice and resonance disorders
Note: The school board SLP team provide supports for receptive/expressive language, mild articulation, processing and literacy concerns. Please speak with your school principal if you have questions.
Occupational Therapy
SBRS OT support functional engagement in school activities using evidence-informed and universally designed strategies. Services are delivered through a tiered model.
SBRS OTs support students in the following areas:
- Environment & Accessibility (e.g., washroom, locker, tech (AT), seating, lighting)
- Productivity (e.g., fine motor, visual motor, visual perception, executive function, bilateral hand skills, hand preference, pencil control, printing not legible; non-functional grasp, printing endurance)
- Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) (e.g., bathroom, hygiene, clothing, fasteners, containers, feeding)
- Sensory and Regulation (e.g., observable sensory differences interfering with classroom routines and activities)
OT Tiered Services
Tier 1: Universal Supports for All Students
SBRS OTs work collaboratively in classrooms to promote engagement and participation for all students. This may include whole-class functional skill workshops, rotating activity workstations, classroom equipment recommendations (e.g., seating, pencil grips), and/or environmental scans to optimize learning spaces.
Note: Families will receive an annual letter in the fall outlining Tier 1 services, including information on how to opt-out if desired.
Tier 2 & Tier 3: Targeted and Individualized Supports
Students who require additional support may receive more individualized OT services.
If a student may benefit from Tier 2 or 3, the school will contact families directly. Parental consent is required before these services begin.
Physiotherapy
SBRS PT provides support to help students safely move and participate in the school environment. Service may include:
- Prescribing and, if applicable, adjusting mobility aids, adaptive devices, transfer aids and other equipment
- Training Clients, Caregivers and school personnel to use mobility aids, adaptive devices, transfer aids and other equipment
- Managing environmental access and safety
What to Expect:
Once the referral information is received and intake completed, you will be placed on the waitlist and called for an assessment when a space becomes available. Recommendations will be made during and after the initial appointment. A written report will follow.
PT Resources
SLP Resources
- Ontario Health atHome Coordinators continue to manage OT, PT and SLP services for private schools and in-home instruction settings, as well as continuing to provide nursing at publicly funded schools School Health Support Services.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
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How To Refer:
CONTACT YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL TEAM
Referrals to this program must be made by the school. If you feel this service would be appropriate for your child, but have not been referred, please discuss this with your child’s school team.
