The physical therapy staff at The Rise School of Austin assess the individual mobility needs of students, monitor gross motor development, and identify areas of need.  

​Areas addressed through physical therapy may include:

• Classroom seating modifications to improve posture or attention during circle time and increase support for fine motor tasks, table top activities and meals, as needed
• Gross motor goals and activities are provided to help a student reach the next stage of motor development
• Consultation for mobility equipment when needed to increase independence and improve access to all areas of the school (i.e. within the classroom, hallway transitions, on the playground, and in music)

​Rise physical therapy structure:

• One or two 30-minute group sessions per week in the gym, which we call the Little Longhorn Lab
• Weekly consultation in the classrooms and throughout the school campus 
• Bi-weekly meetings with lead teachers

 Occupational therapy uses meaningful activities to help children participate in what they need and/or want to do in order to promote physical and mental health and well-being. The occupational therapist at The Rise School has the opportunity to work with all of the students to help them achieve greater success in the classroom. We feel it is our job to meet each child where they are and to provide a “just right challenge” to support and encourage them to achieve their best.

Areas addressed through occupational therapy may include:

• Development of fine motor skills and visual motor (eye-hand coordination) skills, such as cutting, lacing, coloring/drawing, block construction, puzzles, and more 
• Bilateral coordination skills, how both sides of the body work together
• Pre-writing/handwriting skills
• Independence in self-care skills, such as toileting, washing hands, and use of eating utensils
• Sensory regulation to help enhance learning and participation within the classroom environment
• Consulting and collaborating with teachers and other disciplines for classroom adaptations and strategies to enhance learning and participation

Rise occupational therapy structure:

• Two 30-minute small group sessions per week in each classroom addressing fine motor, visual motor, and bilateral coordination skills
• Working on feeding and utensil use during lunch as needed
• Weekly meetings with lead teachers and therapy team 

Music therapy provides a creative and engaging opportunity for all children to grow and acquire new skills. Our credentialed music therapist uses music-based activities to accomplish individualized goals. Active music making can engage various areas of the brain to foster development.

Areas addressed through music therapy may include:

• Expressive/receptive language skills
• Fine motor skills
• Gross motor skills
• Cognitive development
• Social/emotional self–regulation and development

Rise music therapy structure:

• Three 30-minute group sessions per week
• Two hours per week of consult time with staff
• Bi-weekly meetings with lead teachers