Physiotherapy Program
Physiotherapists at Belmore School design, implement and deliver targeted physical development and mobility programs for all students. They support each student to access and participate in the school’s indoor and outdoor curriculum with a view towards maximising each students’ ability to participate in life-long movement and recreation opportunities.
The Physiotherapy program aims to maximise each student’s physical ability through the implementation of a variety of planned and creative gross motor based activities. Programs are delivered in our fully equipped gymnasium, our onsite aquatics centre and through an integrated approach in classroom programs.
Belmore School Physiotherapists are experienced in supporting students with a variety of physical disabilities and work to ensure that each student performs to their potential at school in order to maximise their opportunities for learning.
Each classroom has a Physiotherapist that works collaboratively with the school staff and families to maximise each student’s physical ability through the implementation of a variety of planned and creative gross motor activities through an integrated approach in the classroom and outdoor programs. This involves individualised assessment and joint goal setting with their Team Around the Learner. Our Physiotherapists will assess the student’s physical skills and work with teachers, education support staff and parents to integrate the development of the student’s physical skills into their daily school program and at home, by setting achievable and functional goals.
Belmore School Physiotherapists are experienced in supporting students with a variety of physical abilities and work to ensure that each student performs to their potential at school in order to maximise their opportunities for learning. A particular focus is supporting students posture to maximise their learning goals and minimise the risk of contractures and complications especially during the growth spurts of the school years. Regular position changes and active movement opportunities are promoted. Physiotherapists ensure positioning and mobility equipment is optimal in set-up and staff are trained and supported in completing students individualised transfer profiles. This may include standing frames, walkers, adapted bikes, walking slings, leg splints, princess chairs, wheelchairs etc.
All physiotherapy programs are individually tailored and developed following completion of comprehensive individualised assessments, observations and consultation with teachers and parents to ensure that they are in line with each student’s educational goals as detailed in their Individual Learning Plan.
As Belmore School has a hydrotherapy pool, the students’ Individualised Learning Program goals are embedded into both the land and aquatic environments. There is also a well-equipped gym with overhead tracking system. This allows for targeted strength training and treadmill gait-retraining/walking programs using a partial body weight support walking sling. Students participate in meaningful movement activities utilising music such as modified yoga and dance for core strengthening and stretching. Many students also participate in individualised bike riding skills programs.
With the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, (NDIS) school Physiotherapists are no longer able to prescribe equipment (including specialised wheelchairs, standing or walking equipment) for the home and community. At the parents’ request, Belmore Physiotherapists can collaborate with NDIS therapists to support each student’s’ progression towards their NDIS goals.
