School-based occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) are related services as defined under § 300.34 of The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and are provided to students who meet criteria for special education services under Special Education Rule 13 160-4-7-.05, Eligibility Determination and Categories of Eligibility. The OT and PT provide support fo​r the teams to assist the student in achieving the IEP goals and objectives without writing their own goals in isolation. Therapy should occur, in the educational environment or setting as opposed to a pull-out service. These environments include, but are not limited to the classroom, cafeteria, gymnasium, playground, restrooms, hallways and bus, as well as, community locations where educational instruction takes place.

School-based occupational therapy and physical therapy are separate related services. See specific definitions under 160-4-7-.21 Code: IDDF (21), pages 8-9.

Professional Resources

• Georgia Alliance of School Occupational and Physical Therapists (GASOPT)
• Georgia Occupational Therapist Association (GOTA)
• Physical Therapist Association of Georgia (PTAG)
• State Licensing Boards for OT and PT
• OT / COTA - Georgia Board of Occupational Therapy
• PT / PTA - Georgia Board of Physical Therapy
•