School Based Rehabilitation Services

Kids and youth in publicly funded schools with select rehabilitation needs may access services from school entry up until their exit from secondary school.

In addition to SBRS, some rehabilitation services are also provided by school boards and other organizations. Your child’s school can answer any questions you may have about whether they are eligible for a referral to SBRS. All new referrals to SBRS must be made by the child’s school.

All new referrals to SBRS must be made by the child’s school.

Referrals require the parent/guardian’s consent and approval by the school principal or designate. Please talk to your child’s teacher if you would like to know more about referrals to SBRS.

If your child attends a private school or is homeschooled, please inquire with Home and Community Care Support Services in Waterloo Wellington for School Health Support Services.

Referral Process

Referrals to School Based Rehabilitation Services must come from a school board partner. Parents are encouraged to speak with their teacher about accessing services.

School boards can make a program referral by visiting our Intake & Referrals page.

Direct Referral: A KidsAbility therapist can identify a child that meets the eligibility criteria for SBRS services. With the consent of the family or primary caregiver, the therapist will submit an SBRS referral. 

School Based Rehabilitation Services (SBRS) include occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language pathology provided to school-aged children in their publicly funded schools.

The goal of SBRS is to support student participation in school curriculum.

Speech Language Pathology (SLP) provides support for speech difficulties. This includes articulation and motor speech disorders, dysfluency/stuttering, as well as voice and resonance disorders.

Occupational Therapy (OT) provides support to classroom teachers in developing strategies to support children in building fine motor skills, practicing activities of daily living and sensory regulation.

Physiotherapy (PT) consultation supports gross motor skills and mobility needs for safe access and participation in school activities.

Your child’s school can support you in determining if your child is eligible for this service. The student must be registered and attending a publicly funded school within KidsAbility SBRS catchment area.

If your child attends a private school or is homeschooled, please inquire with Home and Community Care Support Services in Waterloo Wellington for School Health Support Services.

Your team members in other programs with KidsAbility will remain unchanged and will continue to work closely with the SBRS therapists to maintain coordinated care for your child.  Other teams can recommend and support referrals to SBRS if not already in place.

Legal Guardians must provide consent for their child’s participation in SBRS and are encouraged to participate as much as possible throughout the entire process.  Caregiver involvement is key to the successful attainment of goals.

If you feel that your child may benefit from therapeutic services within their school, please consult with your child’s teacher to discuss eligibility criteria and a potential referral for SBRS services.

Note: Older children may understand the risks and benefits of therapy intervention and in these circumstances, are able to provide their own consent for therapy.

Your child will receive SBRS support at their school, with options for virtual care sessions based on the current plan for your child.