Related services are a broad array of services that assist a student with a disability to benefit from their program of specialized instruction. Related service includes, but is not limited to: speech-language services, pathology and audiology services, occupational therapy, orientation and mobility, physical therapy, interpreting services, psychological services, social work services, school nurse services, special transportation, etc. While many of these services appear similar to or have the same title as medical and/or mental health services that may be provided in a clinic or hospital, there are significant differences between a related service provided by the schools and the services that may be provided by another agency. The purpose of a related service is to facilitate the student’s access to and allow them to benefit from their program of specialized instruction. To clarify, if a student can access and benefit from the specialized instruction (i.e., meet their IEP goals) without a particular procedure or therapy, then it does not qualify as a related service. It is, therefore, possible that a particular intervention or therapy may be medically necessary, but may not be needed within the schools in order for the student to access and benefit from their specialized instruction. In situations where a student needs service from both the medical community and the schools, it is important that the school and outside provider communicate to insure services are coordinated and supportive of one another.
