Understanding Related Services: Speech, OT, PT & More
Speech, OT, PT and more — related services can transform your child's education. This guide explains what each service does, who qualifies, and how to advocate for what your child needs.
Related services are among the most powerful — and most frequently denied — supports available under IDEA. Speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, transportation, and assistive technology are all potentially available to your child at no cost. But only if the IEP team agrees they are necessary for your child to benefit from their education.
This guide explains what each related service covers, how eligibility is determined, what "educationally necessary" actually means under the law, and how to advocate when a service your child needs is being denied or reduced. You'll also learn what to do when services aren't being delivered as written in the IEP — because that's a violation, and you have options.
Not legal advice. For advocacy and informational purposes only.