Who We Are
Physiotherapists (PTs) are specially trained professionals who have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree and are registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta. PTs collaborate with school staff, families, and other professionals in supporting students’ safe and functional mobility, physical accessibility, and meaningful inclusion in the school setting.
School Supports
Safety and Accessibility
PTs support students whose mobility or safety concerns impact their ability to access the basics of their school environment and educational programming. This may include:
- Assessment, training and safe use of mobility or positioning equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, or standing frames
- Support for temporary mobility limitations resulting from injury or surgery (e.g., use of casts, crutches, or wheelchairs)
- Providing transfer training for staff to support students who use mobility and/or toileting equipment
- Providing environmental and activity modification suggestions to address balance, fatigue, or energy limitations that impact safe mobility or participation in school routines
Accessing School Environments
Physiotherapists address physical barriers that limit student access to school spaces by consulting with schools and system service units on:
- Specialized school furniture and layout of classrooms
- Specialized bathroom equipment
- Evaluating safe access options for outdoor spaces and broader accessibility planning
Physical Participation
PTs support student participation and inclusion by:
- Adapting physical education and recess activities for students with physical limitations
- Providing strategies and modifications that promote inclusive participation for all students
Gross Motor Development
Gross motor skills involve the use of large muscle groups to perform everyday movements such as walking, running, jumping, sitting, and climbing.PTs may assess gross motor skills if they may be impacting the student’s participation, and offer supports such as:
- Individualized strategies targeting specific motor skill challenges that can be implemented within their daily programming and supported by classroom staff
- Universal classroom supports to promote gross motor development across a whole class or school
Service Delivery
Physiotherapists at CBE use a strength-based, evidence-informed approach to support students with mobility limitations. They work in collaboration with school staff using a consultative and coaching model. The PTs help build the skills and confidence of school teams to support students throughout each day, instead of providing direct therapy or treatment.
Access to Physiotherapy
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Contact your child’s school to discuss Physiotherapy services. Priority is given to students with mobility and/or accessibility challenges that impact their ability to participate safely in school activities.
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Before a Physiotherapist becomes involved in directly supporting a student, the therapist will reach out to the parent to explain and obtain consent for potential services. Additional questions can be addressed at that time.
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If a student requires direct or intensive physiotherapy treatment, these services may be accessed through private or community physiotherapy providers (e.g. Alberta Health Services).
