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Getting Started with Sumlar Therapy Services, Inc.
Based in Ozark, AL, Sumlar Therapy Services, Inc. offers school-based pediatric therapy services for children with special needs. Since our start in 2001, we have incorporated more technology and increased our services in response to the needs of the times and our community.
We offer pediatric physical therapy and occupational therapy to children across Alabama. During the school year, our team of pediatric therapists partner with educators in multiple school districts to provide school-based therapy services.
If you are an educator interested in learning how your school can contract Sumlar Therapy Services, Inc. for physical therapy or occupational therapy within your district, please read through the information below.
If you are an educator interested in learning Sumlar Therapy Services, Inc. for physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy services within your district, please read through the information below. We also have resources for parents interested in learning how they can get their child started in treatment at our clinic in Ozark, AL.
Educators
Our school-based therapy programs are centered around helping students with special needs learn, play, and interact with their classmates and learning environment in a more enriching way. Our occupational therapists and physical therapists are contracted annually by school districts, but may also be available for short-term assignments.
Why should I contract Sumlar Therapy Services, Inc. for my school district?
Our school-based OT and PT programs are adapted to a student’s individual needs and curriculum. Our therapists focus on creating programs that complement each student’s individual educational programs and integrate strategies that enhance their school day and access to educational opportunities.
When a school district contracts us to provide pediatric therapy services, we develop educationally appropriate programs tailored to your district and students’ needs. Our therapists appropriately document each evaluation and therapy session, and provide quarterly progress reports. In addition, we create monthly reports for administration to clearly communicate our work with your students. These can be organized by school building and other categories as requested by the Special Education Department or the CFO.
Enrolling Students in Sumlar Therapy Services, Inc.’s School-Based Therapy Programs
How do I initiate a referral?
To initiate a referral to Sumlar Therapy, both the school representative and the student’s parent must complete and sign the one-page referral form provided. Please ensure that ALL information requested is provided and LEGIBLE. Please include any special instructions, as well as the existing IEP and medical history if available.
Once completed, the school representative may EMAIL the form to email@sumlartherapy.com or FAX to 334-445-6363. We are no longer sending a notice of receipt, so please self-confirm that your fax or email was successful. If you have a question about the status of your referral, please email email@sumlartherapy.com.
How do I refer a student for school-based physical, or occupational services?
If your school system has an existing contract for PT and/or OT services with Sumlar Therapy Services, Inc. please contact your Special Education Director or supervisor to confirm your school’s referral process.
Referral Requirements
To initiate a referral to Sumlar Therapy Services, Inc., both the school representative and the student’s parent must complete and sign our referral form. Please ensure that all information requested is provided and legible. Please include any special instructions, as well as the existing IEP and medical history if available.
Once completed, the school representative may email the form to email@sumlartherapy.com or fax it to 334-445-6363. If you have a question about the status of your referral, please call 334-445-6336 or email email@sumlartherapy.com.
What are the steps after submitting a referral?
Once the referral is received in our office, our goal is to evaluate your student within three weeks. We will email the completed therapy evaluation and recommendations to the school representative’s email as listed on the original referral.
You may then consider adding the therapy service to the IEP. If therapy is added, please provide a copy of the new IEP to the therapist so treatment can begin as indicated.
To speak with a member of our staff regarding our pediatric therapy services, please contact us today at 334-445-6336.
Interns & Guests
The team at Sumlar Therapy Services, Inc. is committed to supporting the education of future pediatric physical therapists and occupational therapists. We offer internship opportunities for individuals enrolled in accredited therapy programs and guest observation opportunities for individuals considering an education and career in PT and OT.
Internships
Through partnerships with universities across the country, Sumlar Therapy Services, Inc. offers a challenging and unique setting for pediatric therapy internships for PT and OT. Additionally, we provide internship opportunities for Physical Therapist Assistants and Occupational Therapist Assistants, and general undergraduate internships in a in a clinic or school setting.
If you are enrolled in an accredited therapy program and would like to participate in an internship at Sumlar Therapy Services, Inc., contact your program’s academic clinical coordinator for more information.
Guest Observation Opportunities
Are you considering a career in the field of pediatric PT or OT? We offer guest observation opportunities for interested individuals. If you would like to observe, please call our office at 334-445-6336 or email us at email@sumlartherapy.com to reserve your time.
Many observers stay between 2-4 hours, and some repeat the experience a few times as they consider the field. Many therapy programs require applicants to volunteer or observe therapists at work, so you may want to document your hours at Sumlar Therapy Services, Inc.
Guest Observation Policies
Our policies for Guest Observers are as follows:
- Confidentiality is very important to all of our patients and families. Identifying information such as names and diagnoses are not to be used outside of the facility. You must sign a confidentiality form and turn it in at the clinic on your first day.
- Sumlar Therapy Services, Inc. will accept one observer at a time for PT or OT.
- Observers must wear a Guest badge which is available at the front desk upon arrival.
- Observers may not be able to observe some therapy sessions due to the comfort levels of patients and families. Please check with the treating therapist before observing a session.
- Dress Code: Long shorts, pants, or jeans; short-sleeve shirts or longer sleeves; no visible skin at waistline—shirts must cover waistbands; tennis shoes; modest jewelry; no perfume or cologne; professional appearance.
- Please do not disrupt therapy sessions.
- Observers are responsible for keeping an updated log of their own hours, if needed.
For further questions regarding our pediatric therapy services, please contact us today at 334-445-6336.