The annual Innovations in School-based Physical Therapy Practice course offered by the APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy (APTA Pediatrics) School Special Interest Group (School SIG) highlights both advanced practice issues and foundational information for school-based practice. Sessions provide information on decision-making and educationally relevant physical therapy services to support educational programs for students with disabilities. Nationally recognized speakers address federal laws, assessment, service provision, clinical education, mentoring, and innovations in practice. 

This event will be held at the Gateway Community College in Phoenix, AZ.

Lunch will be provided.

Audience

This 2-day course is intended for physical therapists who provide, or intend to provide, related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

Daily Registration:

Tuesday only (June 17, 2025)

Wednesday only (June 18, 2025)

Pricing

Early Bird Pricing Ends May 20, 2025

If using a purchase order (PO), please register with the “check” payment option and use the registration receipt as the invoice/PO.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will:

• Understand foundational federal laws and regulations for ensuring a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), including provision of required related services for students with disabilities under IDEA and Section 504.
• Apply evidence and data to individualize and make appropriate decisions regarding evaluation, outcome measures, models of service delivery, individualization, advocacy, and evidence-informed interventions.
• Apply knowledge gained to influence and advocate for appropriate services, staffing, adequate supports, physical activity and fitness, collaboration across practice settings and in communities, and self-determination for students with disabilities.
• Incorporate evidenced-informed evaluation and intervention for students with complex disability.
• Describe the role of school-based physical therapy in provision of assistive technology and individualized transportation services, and to prepare students and their families for adulthood through post-school transition.

Schedule-at-a-Glance

View the brochure here

This event will be held at the Gateway Community College,108 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034. Integrated Educational Building (IE). Copper Room IE 1302 and Room IE 2201.

Hotel: We have a room block at the Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Airport North, 3838 East Van Buren Street, Phoenix, AZ. 

Book your room using the group rate for Innovations In School-Based Practice Conference 

• Hotel is within walking distance to Gateway Community College (across the street).
• $119/night Guest Room Rate, plus taxes (currently 12.57%), June 16-19, 2025. 
• Off Loop 202 and Route 143, two miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport via free shuttle. 
• Parking is $7 per day
• Complimentary wireless high-speed internet. 
• Room registration link will close May 26, 2025. Book your room early since space is limited.

Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is only 2 miles from the hotel hosting our guest rooms, the Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Airport North.

Shuttle: This hotel provides a complimentary roundtrip airport shuttle service 24 hours a day. For more information, visit: https://www.hilton.com/en/hote... 

Local Information: For great information on visiting Phoenix and the surrounding area visit www.visitphoenix.com. Points of interest:  
• Camelback Mountain https://www.visitphoenix.com/s...
• Papago Park https://www.visitphoenix.com/s...
• Desert Botanical Garden https://dbg.org/ 
• Phoenix Zoo https://www.phoenixzoo.org/
• Heard Museum https://heard.org/  
• Phoenix Art Museum https://phxart.org/