Vancouver School-Aged Therapy

The VPT team provides consultation for: 

• activities of daily living/self-care (feeding, toileting, dressing, leisure activities);
• musculoskeletal needs (postural alignment, joint function/protection, splinting);
• support with fatigue and/or pain management;
• significant challenges with sensory regulation impacting daily living/self-care activities and participation in school;
• participation in learning activities through the use of assistive technology, modifications, and environmental controls;
• short-term support after discharge from hospital.

The VPT OT's have developed a tiered model of service to better support students and school-based teams. This tiered model of service aligns with the Universal Design for Learning that is being implemented in classroom settings within Vancouver School Board. 

Tier 1 - Universal

• district wide educational opportunities on professional days and at resource teacher orientation opportunities (please refer to the VSB postings for professional development opportunities)
• school based workshops/education (please contact your school OT)
• resources to support fine, gross motor skill development and sensory strategies suitable for all students https://paediatrics.vchlearn.ca/ 

Tier 2 – Targeted initiated through School Based Team 
Tier 1 services have been implemented, concerns still exist 

• school based discussion to support acquisition of specialized equipment for designated students
• targeted support with specific students with similar needs in the same classroom
• small group consultation with school team for specific students in different classrooms 

Tier 3 – Individual Referral initiated through School Based Team 
Tier 1 and 2 have been implemented, concerns still exist, acceptance for OT service will be at the discretion of your school OT  

• individualized assessment of student  
• individualized interventions to support student participation
• support school staff in implementing individualized OT-specific interventions for an individual student

Indications for discharge from VPT OT Program 
Students are discharged when:  

• they move out of the catchment area served by the program
• they graduate from high-school and are 19 (when they are eligible for adult services)
• goals have been met and/or no further services are required (e.g. school-based team is aware and understands implication of the students medical and/or physical condition and is managing the students needs appropriately, or OT support is no longer effecting change in the students level of function or rate of skill acquisition)
• care needs can be met in an alternate setting, (e.g. through third party benefit)
• care needs are no longer within the scope of VPT
• the student/family no longer desires clinical care, or is no longer willing to establish and/or maintain contact with VCH staff (i.e. client withdraws consent) If the student's educational needs change due to a change in their medical or functional status, a new referral can be initiated.

School‐based physiotherapy (PT) addresses students’ mobility and functional needs to support their participation in the school setting, home and community. Services can include assessment of the student’s functional and physical skills, development of specific care plans and recommendations to support the student in the school environment. PT services can also include promotion of inclusive practices to allow students to participate fully in school-related activities as well as training and educational workshops for school staff.

Support children needing:

• Mobility (e.g. transfers, walking, stairs, stroller and/or wheelchair prescription, home and/or school accessibility)
• Musculoskeletal (e.g. postural alignment, joint function, joint protection, gross motor skills, PE adaptation, leisure activities)
• ADLs affected by mobility challenges (e.g. toileting, dressing)
• Cardiorespiratory (e.g. breath control; secretion clearance)
• Skin and wound management (e.g. wound healing & prevention)
• Fatigue and/or pain management related to medical diagnosis
• Training of school staff to support use of specialised equipment at school

Students are discharged when: 

• They move out of the catchment area served by the program
• They graduate from high school and are 19 (when they are eligible for adult services)
• Goals have been met and/or no further services are required. E.g. school-based staff understand and are appropriately managing the implications of the student’s medical and/or physical condition to the student’s level of function or rate of skill acquisition.
• Care needs can be met in an alternate setting, e.g. through third party benefit
• Care needs are no longer within the scope of the VPT
• The student/family no longer desires clinical care or is unwilling to establish and/or maintain contact with VCH staff (i.e. client withdraws consent.) 

If the student’s physiotherapy needs to change due to a change in their medical or functional status, a new referral can be initiated.

If your child is receiving support from a VCH OT, PT or any Nursing Support, social work support is also available as part of your family’s care. 

Social work can help your family with a range of services:

• Provide information and support to families regarding a variety of issues related to raising a child with medical complexities and/or support needs.
• Support with navigating financial, health care, education, child welfare, community, and other systems.
• Advocate for access to eligible government benefits and support with funding applications.
• Provide psychoeducation, supportive counselling, and referrals to appropriate local community resources.
• Collaborate and liaise with community partners and other professionals involved to ensure comprehensive and holistic support that addresses the child's development and well-being.

This service is available to children ages five to 19 who attend Vancouver public schools. 

If your child attends private school, please contact the school directly for information about available private services to support their needs. 

If your child is home schooled through public schools, please connect with your school team for support. 

 

A referral is required to access services with the Vancouver Pediatric Team (VPT). We accept referrals from multiple types of health-care providers and community members. Please provide your care provider with a completed consent to release and exchange information form to attach to their referral to allow us to communicate about your child’s needs with them.

• Hospitals, doctors or acute care therapists can refer using the Hospital to community online referral form
• Community therapists (such as your child’s current OT or PT) can refer using the Community to VPT online referral form
• School care teams can refer. If you are part of a school team, please review the VPT OT/PT online referral instructions before you complete the VPT OT/PT referral package