Therapy in Schools

Montrose is funded by the Department of Education (DoE) to deliver Specialist Disability Support in Schools (SDSS).

The SDSS program is designed to support schools to enhance learning outcomes for students who require significant educational adjustments.

It does this through the engagement of therapy supports. These supports and how they are delivered are directed by the school, in conjunction with the therapist.

Funded supports include Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology.

Types of Support

Services are able to be tailored to the student and schools needs. Examples of services include:

Collaboration with school staff to set goals and measure outcomes
Individual student observation, assessment, therapy and reports
School programs and practical strategies
Staff meetings, education and training
SDSS funded therapists are able to work holistically with DoE therapists, to ensure approaches and goals are complimentary.

Our work in schools

Our therapists are experienced in working with children and can provide support, information and advice to teachers in areas like communication, concentration, participation, and social engagement. Montrose Occupational Therapist Georgie works individually with school students to complete observations, assessments and reports. She also regularly collaborates with school teachers to share her discipline specific knowledge. Read more about her Occupational Therapy work in schools here.

FAQs

What are the key benefits of the SDSS Program?

This program is at no cost to the school or student.
The SDSS program allows schools to access therapists to support engagement of students at school.
How supports are delivered is flexible, and is able to be tailored to the school and student’s need. Services can be delivered via TeleTherapy if that is more efficient for the school and student.

Who is eligible for SDSS funding?

Students enrolled in a Queensland School, and have been identified under the Education Adjustment Program as requiring significant educational adjustment related to one of the specific impairment areas including: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disability, Physical Impairment, Speech- Language Impairment, Visual Impairment, Social Emotional Disorder.

Is SDSS the same as NDIS?

No. SDSS is completely different. It is designed specifically for schools and students. SDSS funding is contracted to an organisation, to deliver services to schools, to support goals which enhance educational access and outcomes for students. SDSS funding does this by focusing on targeting goals which enhance access to the curriculum and school environment.

Accessing the SDSS program

Can my child receive therapy in school?

Information for parents

To receive SDSS funding, students need to obtain a completed School Request for Support form – parents should discuss this directly with the school or call Montrose on 1800 193 362 for more information on this process.

Support in school with SDSS funding is separate from NDIS funding.

Find out more about Montrose Therapy services here.

Referrals from Schools

Referrals can be made for students who require significant levels of educational adjustments. A referral must be made by the child’s school with the consent of the parent or caregiver. If the student attends a private school, they must have a verified disability in order to receive support through the SDSS program.

Download our SDSS School Therapy Referral Form by clicking the button below or call us on 1800 193 362 for more information. Alternatively, send us an email here.