Handout 15: Related Services
Related services help programs include children with disabilities. The following
are examples of related services that may be needed to help programs integrate
the goals and objectives of IEPs into developmentally appropriate programs.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY is any device or system that assists a child in activities, including communication systems, specially designed utensils for self-care, and various mobility aids, such as a wheelchair.
AUDIOLOGISTS identify hearing loss and refer children for further medical
or other specialized attention. An audiologist may be involved in fitting hearing
aids or other adaptive devices, and developing programs for detection (and prevention)
of hearing loss.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS assess, identify, and treat developmental delays
or disorders in fine motor and perceptual skills, sensory integration, and self-care
activities. This specialist helps with development and use of adaptive devices,
particularly in self-care and fine motor activities. For example, an occupational
therapist may work with teachers to improve a child's fine motor skills so that
she can feed and dress herself.
PHYSICAL THERAPISTS assess, identify, and treat children who have delays
or disorders of gross motor, balance, coordination, strength, and mobility. For
example, a physical therapist designs and implements activities to strengthen
the child's whole body and improve gross motor skills.
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPISTS assess, identify, and treat delays or disorders
of speech and
communication. He may also be
involved in the development and use of adaptive and augmentative communication
devices. For example, a speech and language therapist may work with parents and
teachers to use augmentative communication devices, such as talking computers,
to encourage a child to use certain words both at the center and at home.
PSYCHOLOGISTS evaluate a child's general developmental level, administer
tests and interpret the results, provide mental health services, and offer consultation
for families and staff. For example, the psychologist may help families and staff
develop strategies to help children with problem behaviors manage their behaviors.
TRANSPORTATION is provided for children with disabilities to and from
the program, and to and from clinics and service providers included in the
child's IEP. This includes buses or vans adapted to accommodate wheelchairs
or other special equipment.
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