1342.12 Companion

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1342.12 Companion
July 12, 2017 Page 80
Related Services
E5 S1, 2 p53, 54
Related services are services designed to enable a student with a disability to receive a
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) as documented in the Individualized Education
Program (IEP). Related services may be required to assist a student with a disability to
benefit from his/her special education program. These services enhance a student’s
ability to learn and function within the school setting and are provided by the school or
by specialists from other DoD agencies. It is important to recognize, however, that not every student
with a disability requires related services. Related services can include, but are not limited to the
following:
 Occupational Therapy (OT)
 Physical Therapy (PT)
 Transportation Services
 School Counseling Services
 School Psychological Services
 School Health/related services (Nursing Services)
 Orientation and Mobility Services
A student’s need for related services is determined through the evaluation process with the involvement
of individuals who have specialized knowledge in a specific area. Related services assessments are often
included as part of the Assessment Plan and can contribute to eligibility determination.
Related services are included on the IEP and linked to specific goals, desired student outcomes, and
recommendations from related service providers.
The IEP also must specify when services will begin and end, frequency, where services will be provided,
and whether the services are provided directly to the student or in consultation with other school staff.
Related services are included on an IEP when they are necessary for a student to:
 attain annual IEP goals and benefit from special education;
 be involved and progress in the general education curriculum; and
 be educated and participate with other students, both disabled and nondisabled, in educational
and extracurricular activities.
Educational Services and Supports vs. Medical Support
Some services are not educationally necessary, but may be considered necessary or desirable for the
child’s wellness by parents, other team members, or non-educational service providers. Although a
related service may not, in some cases, meet the educational relevance and necessity-to-benefit criteria
(as required of related services under the IDEA) this does not mean the service is unimportant; rather, it
would mean that provision of the service is not the responsibility of the school.
A medical diagnosis does not automatically mandate eligibility for services under IDEA. Students may
have disability related therapy needs that are provided by medical intervention and not through the
school system. This issue is especially relevant when considering occupational therapy (OT), physical
therapy (PT) and clinical psychology as a related service. The need for related services is not determined
solely based on standardized assessment scores but on whether the student requires the related service
to access their educational program.