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What are School Based Services? 

School based services support children's ability to learn in school. This includes a few different parts. 

Special Education 

Special education is specialized instruction and lessons for children with unique needs, different from the needs of the typical child. Just like general education, services are all based on state/federal laws, including curriculum or what the teacher teaches. But, special education is individualized, so everything is based on the specific child's needs. ​Your child may or may not need special education. 

 

Related Services 

This includes services like physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, social work, assistive technology, nursing, audiology, and psychology. These services may be included as a part of your child's individualized education plan (IEP) or 504 plan based on their needs. Your child may or may not need related services. 

Supplementary Aids and Services  

These are additions or changes that help the child access school activities. They can include different supplies, like assistive technology, mobility equipment or sensory tools, environment changes, like supportive seating or different lighting, how lessons should be taught, like allowing for additional breaks or hands on learning, and what supports might be needed, like a one on one aide, bus aide, or nurse. 

This website resource created by UIC OTD student Talia Anson Neuhaus as a part of a doctoral capstone project. All information is up to date as of March 2025. This website is being provided as a resource not offering any official advisement or endorsement for any programs or entities mentioned in the site. 

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