Related Services: Common Supports for Students with Disabilities

Transcript: Challenge

Narrator: A Conversation About Related Service Providers

During lunch, two teachers from Central Elementary School are having a conversation about working with related service providers.

Mr. Shimino: Can you help me out? I just got an email to meet with Ms. Walker. I don’t remember meeting her at the new teacher orientation. Do you know who she is?

Mrs. Webb: Sure! She’s the physical therapist. Wait…maybe she’s an occupational therapist. I get those two mixed up. Anyway, she’s one of the related services providers who work with students with disabilities.

Mr. Shimino: Oh, yeah, I did see that I have a few students with IEPs on my class roll. I learned a little about related service providers in some of my college courses. I’m really excited to learn more.

Mrs. Webb: I’ve been here several years and I don’t completely understand all the differences in their roles. Each year, I’ve had a few students with disabilities in my class. Sometimes, I had so many people coming in and out of my classroom—OTs, PTs, SLPs—coming in to work with kids, pulling kids out to work with them, telling me what to do with them…

Mr. Shimino: Oh, that sounds kind of overwhelming, but I have heard that they can be a great help to both students and teachers.

Mrs. Webb: Yeah, I realize that they are helpful to the kids and can be a great resource. I just don’t know exactly what each one does or who to ask for what.

Narrator: Here is your Challenge:

Here’s Your Challenge:

What are related services for students with disabilities and how are they provided?

What are some of the most common related services used in schools?