STORIES

Tech-Savvy School-Based Therapists Support Students with Special Needs, Teachers, Parents
Problem-solvers, parent-coaches, think-tankers and tech-savvy are terms which describe school-based therapists as they help students with physical and intellectual disabilities be successful through virtual learning. Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) School-Based Therapy Services employs 157 physical, occupational and music therapists and assistant therapists who work in 32 school districts and charter schools. HCDE’s team of highly trained therapists provide support for more than 7,000 students in greater Harris County with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities and other challenges. At a Glance, School-Based Therapy Services in 2019-2020:
- 6,668 students served
- 7,228 teachers/educators served
- 24 ISDs served, 4 charter schools, 1 special education co-op, 1 nonprofit, 2 HCDE schools
- Highest percentage population served are children with autism (32.7 percent)
- Second-highest percentage population served are children with intellectual disabilities (23 percent)