The Office of Student Services oversees the provision of specialized services. These services include Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Behavioral Intervention, and Assistive Technology. The goal of these related services is to help students access the general education curriculum. The following service providers may be part of a student’s school-based Special Education Team.
Occupational Therapist
Facilitates a student’s active participation by developing fine motor skills, self-regulation skills, sensory integration, environmental modifications, academic and play activities. Occupational therapy services may be provided within or outside of the classroom environment. Among the responsibilities of occupational therapists are administering screening tests and diagnostic assessments, participating in team evaluation meetings, writing goals and objectives for educational plans, and providing consultation to parents, teachers, and other educational staff.
Physical Therapist
Focuses on a student's ability to travel throughout the school environment and participate in classroom activities, as well as managing stairs, restrooms, and the cafeteria. Physical therapy services may be provided within or outside of the classroom environment. Physical therapists administer screening tests and diagnostic assessments, participate in team evaluation meetings, write goals and objectives for educational plans, and also provide consultation to parents, teachers, and other educational staff.
Speech and Language Therapist
Focuses on the area of language usage including vocabulary, grammar concepts, written expression, social pragmatic language skills, and the ability to communicate effectively. Speech therapists may also address voice, fluency, stuttering, and articulation issues when these areas cause an adverse impact on learning. Speech and language therapists administer screening tests and diagnostic assessments, participate in team evaluation meetings, write goals and objectives for educational plans, and also provide consultation to parents, teachers, and other educational staff.
Applied Behavioral Analysis Specialist
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Specialists design goals and objectives to address the learning needs of students on the Autism Spectrum who require discrete trial programming. ABA Specialists gather behavioral data on students and complete Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA), and may develop individual or group Behavior Intervention Plans to gradually diminish negative behaviors and increase positive behaviors. They also support learning and facilitate opportunities for a student’s integration into general education classrooms when needed.
Behavior Specialist
Behavior Specialists apply their training and expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis and Special Education to address difficult behavioral issues. These specialists may consult with teachers, administrators and other school staff on individual student needs or whole classroom plans. Parent consent must be provided prior to the specialist working with individual students to develop FBAs and Behavior Plans and then will be expected to assist teachers and students in their implementation.
Assistive Technology Specialist
Responsible for evaluating the functional and academic technology needs for students referred for assistive technology and/or augmentative alternative communication evaluation. Assistive Technology Specialists administer screening tests and diagnostic assessments, and participate in team evaluation meetings. They write evaluation reports with recommendations and technology integration plans. The Assistive Technology Specialist also provides consultation, conducts workshops and provides trainings for teachers, parents and related personnel on assistive technology tools, including augmentative alternative communication devices.