SpecialEdResources. Special Education and Disability Rights Blog. The Wrightslaw Way — to Special Education Law and Advocacy. One of the most controversial posts we’ve published on the Wrightslaw Way Blog was “Do You Know Who is Providing Your Child’s Speech-Language Therapy?” (Part 1) If you thought we questioned SLPAs, their abilities, and qualifications, not so. But, there are areas of concern for parents. If your child is receiving speech-language services, make sure you know if a trained, certified, or licensed individual is providing your child’s speech therapy. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is very clear about expectations for speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs), what they can and what they cannot do.
Appropriate use and supervision of trained SLPAs can fill the gap often caused by a shortage of speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Issues to consider: 1. The term “staff” may refer to anyone on the school staff who is willing to do speech therapy — including untrained substitutes, aides, and paraprofessionals. 2. Special Education Law Blog. Idea Partnership. Special Education Law Blog. SpedPro. Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy.
Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) - Home Page. The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is dedicated to improving results for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities ages birth through 21 by providing leadership and financial support to assist states and local districts. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA) authorizes formula grants to states and discretionary grants to institutions of higher education and other non-profit organizations to support research, demonstrations, technical assistance and dissemination, technology and personnel development and parent-training and information centers.
To learn more about OSEP, click on the relevant links below.