Programs & ServicesSchool Based Rehabilitation Services

What is School Based Rehabilitation (SBRS)?

School Based Rehabilitation Services include Occupational Therapy (OT), Physiotherapy (PT) and some Speech-Language Pathology (S-LP) Services offered in the schools. These services are provided to school-aged children and youth in their publicly-funded schools to assist them in pursuing their education. The student must require the services in order to be able to attend school, participate in school routines and receive instruction. In other words, in the absence of school-based rehabilitation services, the child/youth’s school attendance, instruction or participation in school activities would be significantly disrupted. These services can help children reach their full potential in school activities and instruction. 

• OT/PT services include consultation for safety, mobility, access and participation in school activities.
• S-LP services include support for some speech difficulties. This includes articulation/phonology disorders, voice disorders and fluency disorders (e.g. stuttering).

George Jeffrey Children’s Centre is responsible for the delivery of SBRS in publicly-funded schools in Thunder Bay, as well as in the following communities: Dorion, Upsala, Armstrong, Nipigon, Red Rock, Schreiber, Terrace Bay, Beardmore, Geraldton, Longlac, Nakina, Manitouwadge and Marathon. This area encompasses 86 schools across 7 school boards:

• Lakehead District School Board,
• Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board,
• Conseil scolaire de district catholique des Aurores boréales
• Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord de l’Ontario (Manitouwadge and Longlac only)
• Superior North Catholic District School Board,
• Superior-Greenstone District School Board and
• Keewatin Patricia District School Board (Upsala only)

Who is eligible for SBRS?

Eligibility Criteria

1. The student must be enrolled at a publicly-funded school within the Thunder Bay District;
2. The student must require SBRS in order to be able to attend school, participate in school routines and receive instruction;
3. The student’s school and family are willing and able to assist the student with the therapy program; and
4. There is a reasonable expectation that service intervention will result in progress towards established outcome/goals

If your child attends a private school or is home-schooled, please inquire with Home & Community Care for School Health Support Service Options for OT, PT or S-LP.

How do I obtain a referral to SBRS for my child?

If your child is eligible for service, your child’s school can complete the GJCC SBRS referral forms. These referrals are then sent to GJCC SBRS intake by your child’s school. All referrals will be reviewed for eligibility.

When will my child receive service through SBRS?

Your child’s needs are important. Each referral is reviewed by the SBRS team and will be prioritized for service based on safety and access needs in the school. Students will be placed on the waiting list in the order that the referral is received. Waiting lists vary based on the type of service that is needed. Every effort will be made to have your child seen as quickly as possible.

How can I communicate with my child’s therapist?

If your child is receiving individual or group therapy through GJCC SBRS, you are encouraged to participate in your child’s therapy sessions at the school or to keep in regular contact with your child’s therapist to discuss progress and for them to share beneficial strategies to help your child. You can call or email your child’s therapist using the provided contact information. If you are unsure of that information, please contact GJCC Reception at 807-623-4381 ext. 0 or toll free at 1 (888) 818-7330 ext. 0.

Contacts/Questions

Please reach out if you have any questions regarding SBRS. We will continue to keep you informed as we work together to implement improvements to family-centered and integrated services across the Thunder Bay District.  You can contact our Client Services Coordinator at:

Address: 200 Brock St. East, Thunder Bay ON, P7E 0A2
Phone: 807-625-6808 or toll free in Northwestern Ontario: 1-888-818-7330
Fax: 807-623-7161 Email: coordinator@georgejeffrey.com