What are "Related Services"?
What types of services  may be directed in the IEP?
How and where might related therapies be delivered?
What are curriculum adaptations and modifications?
When is teacher training necessary?
What are "Assistive Technology Devices"?
What are "Assistive Technology Services"?
What are "Related Services"?
Related services are any service a student needs in order to benefit from special education. The IEP team must develop goals and objectives based on a student's need for related service.
Related services are provided according to the IEP, and not the student's placement. If the placement selected for a student is not able to provide the related service in the intensity and duration called for in the IEP, the district must ensure that the related service is provided in accordance with the IEP. Parents cannot be required to pay for (or provide through private insurance) any related service described in the IEP.
What types of services  may be directed in the IEP?

DID YOU KNOW...

The district has behaviorists on staff to address the behavioral needs of a student. The behaviorist can be called in to  perform a functional analysis of the student's behavior. The behaviorist can develop a plan to  encourage appropriate behavior and/or improved attentiveness so that the student is more available for learning. They will train staff to utilize these strategies and monitor/adjust the plan as needed.

The district also has a part-time social skills consultant  who provides training to staff and is available to work with some students directly.
  • Teacher Training - in the areas of a child's disabilities and their necessary accommodations by all staff who interact with the child
  • Use of Aides (personal or classroom) and/or Itinerant Teacher with Special Education Training 
  • Curriculum adaptations or modifications
  • Assistive Technology
  • Use of a Resource Center
  • Transportation
  • Counseling Services
  • Medical Services
  • Behavior Management and Behavior Therapy Services
  • Social Skills Training
  • Provision of Other Services such as Audiology, Visual and Sensory

You should consider whether your child needs one or more of these services and discuss it during your IEP meeting, even if the staff has not made that recommendation. You are an equal member of the Child Study Team, and your input is essential.
How and where might related therapies be delivered? Back to Top
Depending upon the nature of the student's disability and the IEP goals and objectives, the related service may either be delivered in a therapy room or in the classroom.

For example, if a student requires oral motor exercises, it may make more sense for this to occur in the speech therapy room. However, if a student has specific social skills goals, it may be more appropriate to work on this inside the classroom.

Additionally, therapy can be delivered either individually (one on one) or in group sessions.
What are curriculum adaptations and modifications?
IEP directed annual goals and short-term objectives are required to be delivered in such a way that the student can learn it.  In some cases, teaching methods and materials (those used at home and in school) must be altered to enable the student to meet his learning goals. Modifications can occur in testing as well. 

Some examples of appropriate modifications are:
  • un-timed tests
  • oral tests
  • having written directions read aloud
  • fewer words per page and/or increased font size for readability
  • rewording of materials to appropriate level for student for instruction and tests
  • use of teaching strategies that will best suit the student's learning style
  • special seating accommodation to reduce auditory and/or visual difficulties
Some examples of inappropriate modifications are:
  • cutting the number of problems on a test or homework assignment 
  • elminiating or reducing homework

Note: Necessary accommodations may require additional staff, (aide, itinerant teacher, etc.)  This is especially true if the classroom teacher has not been trained in the required modifications or depending upon the level and frequency of modifications needed.

When is teacher training necessary?
If the student has a disability which requires pervasive modifications or is in an area in which the teacher has little or no expertise, then the teacher and perhaps other staff, should be provided with specialized training. This training should include curriculum modifications development and instructional delivery methods to meet the student's needs.

This is a vital component to the success of the student's program. A supported staff ensures that the IEP will be implemented in the most efficient and effective manner.
What are "Assistive Technology Devices"?

DID YOU KNOW... 

You can request an Assistive Technology evaluation if you think that Assistive Technology Devices are necessary for your child to achieve his/her IEP goals.
An assistive technology device is any item or equipment (whether acquired commercially off the shelf or modified or customized) that is used to increase, maintain or improve the student's capabilities.
School-purchased assistive technology devices may be used in a child's home or other setting if required by the IEP.
Assistive Technology Devices include, but are not limited to:
  • computers
  • computer touch screens
  • power wheel chairs
  • switches and "joy sticks"
  • adapted busses
  • augmentative communication devices
  • specially designed knobs or grips
  • audio tape recorder
  • seating system
  • assistive listening systems
What are "Assistive Technology Services"? Back to Top
These services begin with the evaluation of the need for Technology. If it is determined that Assistive Technology devices are needed, these services will include the appropriate selection, purchase or lease, customization, maintenance and repair of the devices.

These services also extend to the training of the child (and family, if appropriate) as well as the teaching staff. 

Assistive Technology Services must be integrated with all other therapies, interventions and services.