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Services

The Grand Forks Special Education Unit provides a variety of related services within each school building to meet the needs of every child with a disability.

Adaptive Physical Education (APE)  

Adaptive physical education services are available to students with disabilities whose IEP teams have determined this service is appropriate and necessary.  APE services may be provided through direct instruction requiring goals and objectives on a student's IEP or via consultation to the special education and general education staff.  APE teachers assist general physical education teachers in the planning of accommodations and/or modifications that will allow maximum participation in physical education activities for students with disabilities.  APE teachers share strategies for instruction and behavior management as needed.  Adaptive equipment is also provided by the APE specialist for students who require specialized equipment to participate in physical education. 

Assistive Technology (AT) 

Any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an AT device.  The term includes:

  • The evaluation of the needs of such a child, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child's customary environment
  • Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of AT devices for a child with a disability
  • Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing of AT devices
  • Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with AT devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs
  • Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability or, if appropriate, that child's family
  • Training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education or rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of that child

Audiology

Audiological services include hearing screenings, formal audiological evaluations, auditory processing evaluations, ear mold impressions, teacher inservice, and hearing conservation information. These services are provided by an educational audiologist. The educational audiologist also recommends and implements the use of personal and room FM systems, refers for medical management and to the teacher of the deaf and hard-of-hearing and makes recommendations as to the specific needs of each student with a hearing impairment or an auditory processing deficit.

Occupational Therapy (OT) 

The intent of the Federal Law states that occupational therapy is a related service.  Related services are provided only when necessary to meet or support an identified educational need and/or the goals/objectives as determined by the educational team.  Students eligible for service are those identified as special education students with an individual education plan (IEP).  Level of service depends upon the student's IEP as determined and agreed upon by the parents, administrators, regular education, and special education personnel.   Students identified with special needs and served under a 504 plan may also meet eligibility criteria for OT services. 

Physical Therapy (PT) 
The intent of the Federal Law states that physical therapy is a related service.  Related services are provided only when necessary to meet or support an identified educational need and/or the goals/objectives as determined by the educational team.  Students eligible for service are those identified as special education students with an individual education plan (IEP).  Level of service depends upon the student's IEP as determined and agreed upon by the parents, administrators, regular education, and special education personnel.  Students identified with special needs and served under a 504 plan may also meet eligibility criteria for PT services.  

School Health 
The Grand Forks Special Education Unit employs LPNs, as needed, to meet the needs of students with special health care needs.  Health care plans and accommodations are listed, or attached, to the child's Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or 504 plan.  These health care plans are typically written by the child's physician or a school nurse, with input from parents and the child's IEP team.  The health care plans are shared with team members who have the "need to know" to ensure the child's safety in his or her school environment.

School Psychology

School psychologists help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. They collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community for all students.

Selective Screen
The Grand Forks Special Education Unit conducts a selective screen in order to identify children between the ages of 3 and 5 who have a disability that may affect their school performance as they enter kindergarten. The selective screens are conducted monthly throughout the school year and are based on referral from an adult who has concerns about a child's development in one or more areas including speech/language, cognition, general development, fine and gross motor skills, vision and hearing. 

Speech & Language
Communication disorder, such as stuttering, impaired articulation, a language impairment, or a voice impairment, that adversely affects a child's educational performance.

Transportation  
Transportation is provided for special education students assigned to a school program outside their neighborhood school attendance area.  Any student with a disability that impacts their ability to get to and from their neighborhood school may also be considered for transportation.  The decision to provide transportation is made by the IEP team.