Special education is provided at no cost to the student or parent and must conform to the student's individualized education program (IEP). This may include instruction conducted in the classroom, in the home, in hospitals, institutions and other settings. Students with disabilities are to be educated in the least restrictive environment, meaning they should be educated with students without disabilities, to the maximum extent they are allowed by their disability. Specially designed instruction addresses the unique needs that result from the student’s disability and ensures access to the general curriculum so that the student can meet educational standards of the school district or other public agency that apply to all students.

Related services include transportation, as well as developmental, corrective, preventative and other supportive student as are required to assist a special education student to benefit from special education. This may include, but is not limited to, early identification and evaluation of disabilities in student, diagnostic and medical evaluation services provided by a licensed physician, counseling, classified staff services, school health services, psychological services, assistive technology services, parent training and counseling.

Occupational and physical therapists plan, implement, and direct programs for students who have educationally significant fine and gross motor difficulties. In order to receive Occupational and Physical Therapy (OT/PT) services, a student must first be qualified as disabled, and must be eligible to receive special education services. Services are designed to support students in the school setting.

Occupational and physical therapy services include:

• Evaluating the student’s motor problems.

• Implementing intervention based on individualized student goals.

• Assessing progress in achieving goals and objectives.

• Helping parents understand, prevent, and remediate motor problems.

• Working with school staff and other professionals to meet the motor needs of children relevant to the educational setting.

Therapy activities are goal-directed, measurable, motivating to the student, and geared toward enabling the student to participate in classroom and school activities. A variety of options are available for the delivery of therapy services. Services may be provided directly by the therapist, or the therapist may consult with classroom staff, who carry out the activities. Therapy may be provided in a group or individually.

A Speech/Language Pathologist (SLP) plans, implements and directs programs for children who have communication disabilities. In order to receive SLP services, a student must first be qualified as disabled, and must be eligible to receive special education services.

Speech, Language, and Hearing Services Include:

• Identifying communication problems through referral and screening.

• Assessing and diagnosing communicative needs and behaviors.

• Implementing intervention based on individualized student goals.

• Reassessing and evaluating progress in achieving goals and objectives.

• Helping parents understand, prevent, and remediate communication problems.

• Working with school staff and other professionals to meet the communicative needs of children.

Students with significant visual impairments are typically serviced in their neighborhood schools with resource assistance. A teacher of the visually impaired supports the team at the school. Services provided include instruction in Braille, alternative technologies, and mobility.