Related services are supportive services designed to enable students with disabilities to receive a free, appropriate public education as described in the individualized education program of the student.

The term related services means transportation, and such developmental, corrective, and other supportive services (including speech-language pathology and audiology services, interpreting services, psychological services, physical and occupational therapy, recreation, including therapeutic recreation, social work services, school nurse services designed to enable a child with a disability to receive a free appropriate public education as described in the individualized education program of the child, counseling services, including rehabilitation counseling, orientation and mobility services, and medical services, except that such medical services shall be for diagnostic and evaluation purposes only), as may be required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education, and includes the early identification and assessment of disabling conditions in children. This definition is found Sec. 602(26)(A) of IDEA. 

Speech and Language (SI/LI)

In addition to being disability categories, students with speech and/or language needs may qualify for services under the related services umbrella. For more information about Speech and/or Language as a related service, contact the Speech-Language Pathologist at your school site or at the LCS District ESE office: Treeva Fountain, 850-487-7897 or fountaint@leonschools.net

Florida Department of Education: Speech/Language as a Related Service

Occupational or Physical Therapy (OT/PT)

The district ensures that students with gross and fine motor difficulties have access to consultative services provided to the classroom teacher by physical and occupational therapists. For those students who have met state board eligibility criteria, therapy is provided by these therapists.  For more information about OT/PT, contact the referral coordinator at your school or the LCS District ESE office: Melissa Barton at 850-487-7160 at bartonm@leonschools.net

Florida Department of Education: OT/PT Related Services

Assistive Technology (AT)

Assistive Technology (AT) is a related service program that provides screenings, evaluations, assistive devices/software and training to ESE students. School-based AT is designed to assist the student in accessing and succeeding in their learning environment. AT services may include (but are not limited to) observation, consultation, assessment, trialing of assistive technology devices or software, training both staff and students to use equipment and maintaining assistive technology devices. For more information about Assistive technology, contact the referral coordinator at your school site or Angelia Smith, 850-487-7160 or smitha14@leonschools.net

Adaptive Physical Education

Adaptive Physical Education services are provided for any Leon County student who is in need of special services in order to successfully participate in a general physical education class. Physical education services range from teacher consultation to specially designed physical education in the general physical education setting. This program offers modified physical activities and is provided through an IEP process or on a consultation/request for support basis. For more information about Adaptive Physical Education, contact Melba Jacobs, 850-487-7160 or jacobsm@leonschools.net