School Therapy
Our interdisciplinary approach is vital to the core of everything we do at The Matheny School. Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech-Language Therapy are integrated into the academic program and occur within the classroom. Students at Matheny School receive the additional support of our School Nurses, Psychologists and Social Workers.
At Matheny School, Occupational Therapy (OT) focuses on enhancing student independence and academic success by developing essential everyday skills, including fine and gross motor skills, visual perception, and multisensory integration. OT also supports prevocational and community integration opportunities. Our experienced OT team, trained in pediatric therapy and familiar with the unique challenges of children with disabilities, uses specialized techniques to help students reach their full potential. All therapists are licensed by the New Jersey Occupational Therapy Advisory Council and certified by the New Jersey Department of Education, with additional certifications in ATP, SIPT, and NDT.

At The Matheny School, Physical Therapy (PT) is a key part of our educational program, focusing on enhancing students’ mobility, coordination, endurance, and balance. PT sessions, conducted both in and outside the classroom, target individual goals such as functional mobility, coordination, range of motion, and adaptive equipment use. Therapists also support students in community settings and transition placements to ensure skill transfer. All our physical therapists are licensed, APTA-certified as Credentialed Clinical Instructors, and certified by the New Jersey Department of Education.

Our School Speech Therapists are licensed by New Jersey, hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and are certified School Speech-Language Specialists. They collaborate with teachers, OTs, and parents to identify and implement effective communication methods tailored to each student’s needs. Services include augmentative communication strategies, individual and small group sessions, and integration into classroom activities based on each student’s IEP. The team also addresses oral motor and swallowing issues through the Independent Self-Feeding Program, which emphasizes both skill development and the social aspects of mealtimes.
