Related services only shall
be recommended by the committee on special education to meet
specific needs of a student with a disability and include but
are not limited to speech/language therapy, social work,
occupational therapy, physical therapy, and/or teacher of the
deaf services. The frequency, duration and location of each
service shall be indicated in the IEP. A student with a
disability may be provided with more than one service in
accordance with the need of the student. Related services may be
provided in conjunction with a regular education program or with
other special education programs and services.
Speech and Language Therapy
Speech-language Therapy is provided to students who
have been diagnosed as having a disorder or delay in
communication (articulation, fluency, language, or pragmatics).
Speech therapy involves direct intervention with students and
consultation with teachers about the most effective ways to
facilitate the child’s communication in the class setting.
Speech/language therapy is generally provided in small groups,
however may be provided individually when
needed. Speech/language therapy as a related service is
available to both disabled and nondisabled students. The
district employs 4 full time speech therapists.
Occupational
Therapy (OT)
Occupational Therapy (OT) involves the functional
evaluation of the student and the planning and use of a program
of purposeful activities to develop or maintain adaptive skills.
Activities are designed to achieve the student achieve maximal
physical and mental functioning in his or her daily life tasks.
Fine motor/self-help skill development, sensory processing, and
functional life skills are addressed in occupational therapy.
Evaluation, direct service, indirect service (monitoring), and
consultation are provided to assist students in accessing the
educational environment. Occupational therapy as a related
service is available to students with disabilities who are
identified through the CSE and the Section 504 committee.
Occupational therapists also offer whole group instruction to
district kindergarten classes to support early writing
development. The district employs one full time occupational
therapist and one full time certified occupational therapy
assistant (COTA).
Physical Therapy (PT)
Physical Therapy (PT) is a related special education
service provided to students in the areas of gross motor skill
development, functional mobility, positioning, and environmental
adaptations. Evaluation, direct service, indirect service
(monitoring), and consultation are provided to assist students
in accessing the educational environment. Physical therapy as a
related service is available to students with disabilities who
are identified through the CSE and the Section 504 committee.
The district employs one full time physical therapist.
School Social Work
School Social Work provides counseling to students
with disabilities as well as nondisabled students. This service
also provides classroom consultation, crisis intervention, and
referrals to outside agencies. School social workers are often
part of the assessment process for special education students.
School social workers consult with teachers and administrators
and participate on educational teams within our schools. The
district employs 3.5 school social workers.
Teacher of the Deaf
The teacher of the deaf designs and implements
specialized instruction to meet the needs of students with
varying degrees of hearing impairments. The district employs one
full time teacher of the deaf.
