PT in high school co-op programs

[phyllphys]

I am looking for other PTs who may be practising in the same or a similar role to mine. I work for a school board in a consultation model with the co-op/work experience program for students with special needs. The students have physical, developmental, visual disabilities, ASD or a combination of any or all of the above. My role is more traditionally carried out by an OT because it is very "function" oriented but I have been doing this job for several years now. Very briefly my role is to assess the students' physical/functional abilities relative to participating in co-op or work experience and making sure that the placement and assigned job tasks are matched to the student's needs and abilities with respect to function, accessibility, safety, ADL requirements, personal hygiene etc. I also determine what accommodations and/or equipment the student will need at the placement in order to do the job and ensure that everything is in place. I work with the students, families, co-op teachers, support staff, job coaches, placement personnel etc. I spend a lot of time involved with training and raising disability awareness.
I love this job but have not yet met another PT who is in a similar role and I am always castigated by OTs for "doing their job."
I would love to hear from anyone who is either doing a similar job or just interested in sharing relevant experience. At the moment I am a PT in an OT world!
Thanks
Phyllphys

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[prh]

I guess I see some parallels in my role as a school-based PT. I have become very much functionally and "top down" oriented in my assessment and interventions, since I have limited time and resource to provide my service. Over the last 8 years or so, I have become increasingly involved in sensory assessment and treatment as part of overall management for students with Asperger's.

Surely ergonomics and work capacity assessment are not the exclusive domain of occupational therapy? I say, enjoy your job and hold your head high!

Regards, Paul