On February 15, 2011, the Procurement Department, on behalf of the Exceptional Student Education Department, issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for occupational and physical therapy services based on the specifications provided. The purpose of the RFP is to define specific service levels required by the school district and to establish a partnership with qualified contractors to provide these required services.  Firms were asked to provide their knowledge/experience, implementation plan, references, and cost. Proposals were due on March 24, 2011. 

Occupational and Physical Therapy (OT/PT) services for students with disabilities are required by federal laws, including Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1974, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Currently, in a school year, the district serves approximately 1,200 students with disabilities requiring OT/PT services. 

Nationally, there is a shortage of occupational and physical therapists. Due to that shortage and the need to provide services to our students with disabilities, the district must contract with outside agencies.  We continue to work on the retention/recruitment of our direct-hire therapy personnel; thus, hopefully minimizing the need for contracted personnel.

Executive Summary continues on attachment.