Related Services
When you visit the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, you witness a learning environment unlike any other. Teachers, therapists and health professionals collaborate to foster the unique abilities of our student body.
Following what is referred to as an integrated service delivery model, therapies are incorporated into everyday school activities. Stop by the dining rooms at lunch and you will observe not just mealtime but an opportunity for a physical therapist to help a student improve their balance when sitting in a chair while an occupational therapist assists another student in learning to eat using a fork.
Each student at the School has a specialized educational team, which might include:
- Physical Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Speech Language Pathologist
- Orientation and Mobility Instructor
- Behavior Specialist
- Nurse
- Case Manager
- Instructional Aides
- Consultants
Instead of taking the child away from the classroom, the therapists work with the student directly in the classroom itself or out in the community. This integrated service delivery model has been found to be more effective than the clinical approach.
Students also enjoy a diverse array of socialization activities to promote interaction and community enjoyment. Individualized student dietary services are provided as well, overseen by a staff nutritionist with food prepared in-house. The School’s supportive environment helps to foster our students’ unique abilities.
