1. Specialist Certificate Program: Preparing Professionals To Provide Services in Natural Environments and Inclusive Settings. Final Report.
- Author
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Chiarello, Lisa Ann and Campbell, Phiippa
- Abstract
This final report discusses the activities and outcomes of an interdisciplinary graduate program designed to prepare already licensed or certified physical therapists and occupational therapists for the full inclusion of students with disabilities in educational settings and for the full participation of infants, toddlers, and young children in natural settings. The program resulted in: (1) the certification of 25 physical therapists and 10 occupational therapists; (2) the development and evaluation of a related services certificate model; (3) the completion of a school-based practicum by 19 students, during which the students created individualized action plans and were paired with a professional mentor with complementary expertise; (4) the development and evaluation of the early intervention certificate model focused on providing pediatric therapy intervention in natural environments; and (5) a workshop for families interested in serving as mentors for the practicums, and the pairing of these mentors with 17 therapists to develop an understanding of the ways early intervention therapists can assist families and children in accessing and using community resources. Charts illustrating the certificate programs for school-based services and for early intervention services are provided, along with an article describing the early intervention certificate program ("Physical Therapist Education for Service in Early Intervention" from Infants and Young Children, Aspen Publishers; April 2000; 12(4): 63-76). (CR)
- Published
- 2001