Related Services in Special Education to Help Your Child:

Definitions:

Supplementary – [adj] added to complete or make up a deficiency [WordNet Dictionary at hyperdictionary.com].

Support – [n] any device that bears the weight of another thing. [n] something providing immaterial support or assistance to a person. [v] establish or strengthen. [v] give moral or psychological support, aid, or courage [WordNet Dictionary at hyperdictionary.com].

Services – [n] performance of duties or provision of space and equipment helpful to others [WordNet Dictionary at hyperdictionary.com].

Aid – [n] the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose. [n] the work of caring for or attending to someone or something. [n] a resource. “visual aids in teaching”. [v] improve the condition of. [v] give help or assistance. be of service [WordNet Dictionary at hyperdictionary.com].

Any device, provision of help, or activity that adds to your child’s education is a supplementary aid or service. Related services in special education enhance your child’s ability to access curriculum. The related services help your child learn and participate in typical activities with peers.

From the LDOnline.org: A child may require any of the following related services in order to benefit from special education. Related services, as listed under IDEA, include (but are not limited to):

Related Services in Special Education

* Audiology services.
* Counseling services.
* Early identification and assessment of disabilities.
* Medical services.
* Occupational therapy.
* Orientation and mobility services.
* Parent counseling and training.
* Physical therapy.
* Psychological services.
* Recreation.
* Rehabilitation counseling services.
* School health services.
* Social work services in schools.
* Speech-language pathology services.
* Transportation.

Visit these sites for more examples of related services in special education:
Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative.
Maryland Schools about ESY.
Missouri Department of Education.
MO Dept. of Ed Innovations in Education.