A Collaborative Approach to Optimize Participation in an Education Environment for Students With Bilateral Limb Loss:...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Physical Therapy
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Inclusive Education

Background:

• Bilateral congenital transfemoral limb loss presents unique challenges for school-aged children.
• Optimizing participation and mobility requires a multidisciplinary and individualized approach.
• The FATCO syndrome (fibular aplasia, tibial campomelia, and oligosyndactyly) is a rare condition impacting limb development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the effectiveness of team collaboration, individualized interventions, and inclusive environments.
• To demonstrate how to optimize participation in school-aged children with bilateral congenital transfemoral limb loss.
• To present a model for integrating clinical practice guidelines into school-based physical therapy.

Main Methods:

• A case study approach focusing on two students with FATCO syndrome.
• Utilizing the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Model.
• Implementing clinical practice guidelines from the US Department of Veterans Affairs and the US Department of Defense.
• Employing individualized interventions within an inclusive school setting.

Main Results:

• Students achieved independence in mobility through collaborative goal-setting and strategies.
• Physical therapists and the educational team successfully supported student mobility and participation.
• The collaborative framework addressed the students' complex needs effectively.

Conclusions:

• A collaborative, framework-guided approach enhances participation for students with complex limb differences.
• Inclusive school environments foster autonomy, self-reliance, and independence in students.
• This case study provides a model for evidence-based physical therapy in schools.