FPG Project Summary

Project INTEGRATE: Integrated and Naturalistic Therapy and Education Garnered from Research and Treatment Experiences

This project has been completed

The purpose of our project is to promote an integrated therapy model of service delivery for children with disabilities. Through training and technical assistance, we hope to reach professionals and families across the country. Integrated therapy is an inclusive service delivery model providing alternatives to traditional pull-out methods of treatment. By offering a continuum of models, professionals can move away from the conception of in-class versus out of class therapy and more towards integration of services.

Because collaboration and consultation are key features of integrated therapy, everyone involved with a child's program has the opportunity for input regarding how services are provided. Teachers, therapists, and parents work together to determine goals, schedule therapy sessions, create activities for classroom routines, and consult with one another to discuss strategies. With more people involved in a child's specialized program, there are more opportunities to work on specific skills. All of these factors combined result in more effective use of teachers' and therapists' time and ultimately more effective therapy and education!