Related Services

Occupational Therapy (OT) services for students with special needs are determined through the IEP process. School-based occupational therapy is available for students who are eligible for special education. Occupational therapists complete evaluations and assessments, and work with other members of the school-based team to help determine what is needed for a student to receive a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. They support a student’s ability to participate in desired daily school activities or “occupations.” They help children to fulfill their role as students by supporting their academic achievement and promoting positive behaviors necessary for learning.

Physical Therapy (PT) in the educational setting is a related service performed by a licensed therapist. A functional analysis is determined to address physical and mobility deficits. Upon assessment, the student is provided with therapeutic exercises and activities for endurance, neuro-muscular and gait training to aid the child in participation within the academic setting. Additional equipment and orthotic analysis, maintenance and recommendations can be provided; continued collaboration with the teacher and parent are provided for optimal support of the student in the classroom.

Teacher of the Deaf or Hard of Hearing (TODHH) teaches individuals with hearing disabilities, providing a program and instruction to promote cognitive, academic, communication and language, behavioral and social, and physical development. TODHH consult the children's parents, agencies, support staff, and other professionals about the educational needs of students with hearing problems. They plan instructions as needed per individual education plans (IEPs) as well as employ amplification devices.

Educational Audiologists deliver a full spectrum of hearing services to all children, particularly those in educational settings. Audiologists are trained to diagnose, manage and treat hearing and balance problems. Educational audiologists are members of the school multidisciplinary team who facilitate listening, learning and communication access via specialized assessments; monitor personal hearing instruments; recommend, fit and manage hearing assistance technology; provide and recommend support services and resources; and advocate on behalf of the students.

Teachers for the Visually Impaired (TVI) provides direct and/or consultative special education services specific to vision loss. The TVI provides support to students, teachers, and parents and acts as a liaison with community services. The TVI works with the educational team by advising the team about ways of enhancing the student’s learning by adapting activities and materials to the student’s abilities. The TVI will conduct Functional Vision Assessments to determine how much usable vision a student has to perform visual tasks. This assessment is initially conducted to determine the need for services from a teacher of students with visual impairments and to determine appropriate goals and level of support needed.

Orientation and Mobility Specialist (O&M) instruction provides students who are deaf-blind with a set of foundational skills to use residual visual, auditory, and other sensory information to understand their environments. O&M services are provided to enable students to attain systematic orientation to and safe movement within their environments in school, home, and community.

Assistive Technology Services (AT) are any services that directly assists an eligible individual in selecting, acquiring, or using an assistive technology device. Assistive technology device is any piece of equipment used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a professional who studies the behavior of children —including those with developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and/or emotional or social issues—and creates plans to improve or change problematic behavior.

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a paraprofessional certification in behavior analysis. RBTs assist in delivering behavior analysis services and practice under the direction and close supervision of a BCBA Supervisor who is responsible for all work RBTs perform