Assistive Technology

In accordance with Federal and State guidelines, DISD provides a comprehensive and integrative approach to assistive technology. Assistive technology devices and services are offered to support a student with a disability in the acquisition of a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). 

• Goals: To increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of students with disabilities in their education setting.
• Process: The ARD committee determines whether or not AT devices and services are necessary for the student to work toward mastery of the goals and objectives in the student’s IEP.

“Assistive technology device” means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities.  “Assistive technology service” means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. 

The quotes are from section 300.5 and 300.6  Chapter III code of Federal Regulations.

Lead Contact:   Christina Dominy  281-229-6717

School Health / Nursing

• Philosophy: In accordance with federal and state guidelines, DISD provides school health and nursing services as a related service so that the student may benefit from his/her special education instruction and for implementation of a student’s IEP.  The Dickinson School Health Services program recognizes the relationship between students’ health status and their ability to learn and be successful in the academic arena
• Goals:  Our health services staff works actively to improve classroom participation by supporting and promoting the connection between health and academic achievement and eliminate barriers that hinder student learning, school entry, and attendance.  The health services program helps students seek an optimal level of physical, mental and social development; links home, school and community; and promotes healthy activities and behaviors that lead to academic success.
• Process: School health and nursing services can be a part of a student’s individualized education plan (IEPs) when a need in those areas is identified at the time of initial evaluation or during re-evaluation.  Students enrolled in special education can utilize school health / nursing services to help him or her access a free, appropriate public education (FAPE).  The school nurse works as a team member to identify and evaluate health and safety concerns.

Lead contact:  Erica Hollister, Lead Nurse

Counseling as a related service provided by an LSSP or LPC 
Description: 

• Counseling is provided to students with disabilities if data and other information collected by the multidisciplinary assessment team indicates counseling is necessary for them to benefit from their individual education program (IEP).
• Counseling services in Dickinson ISD refer to skills training provided directly to the student. This can be done either individually or in a group. Skills address could include, but not limited to, social skills, anger management, and coping strategies.
• An IEP is required to identify the specific skills to be addressed.

Lead Contact: Stacy Davila, 281-229-6095

Occupational Therapy

What is OT?

Occupational Therapy

School based occupational therapists are part of the Related Services providers that support a student’s ability to access his/her education. Occupational therapists focus on fine motor skills, handwriting, sensory processing, and provide input to the assistive technology team. 

Philosophy: To improve physical abilities and/or adapt the learning environment so that all students have access to FAPE. 

Process: Physical therapy evaluations can be done as part of a student’s initial FIE or as requested by an ARD committee. 

Description: Services are integrated into the student’s academic setting to the extent their disability allows.

Physical Therapy

What is PT?

School based physical therapists are part of the Related Services providers that support a student’s ability to access his/her educational environment. Physical therapists focus on mobility and gross motor skills. 

Philosophy: Working with special education students to help them overcome physical limitations and barriers related to their education. 

Goals: To improve physical abilities and/or adapt the learning environment so that students all have access to FAPE.

Process: Physical therapy evaluations can be done as part of a student’s initial FIE or as requested by an ARD committee. 

Description: Services are integrated into the student’s academic setting to the extent their disability allows.

Psychological Services Description: 

• Psychological services are provided to students with disabilities if data and other information collected by the multidisciplinary assessment team indicates counseling is necessary for them to benefit from their individual education program (IEP).

• Psychological services in Dickinson ISD can be provided either directly or indirectly. Direct services are provided to the student, whereas indirect services would be provided to teachers and staff who work with the student on behalf of the student. They could include consultation regarding classroom discipline, social skills training, classroom-based interventions that promote understanding of disabilities, and coordination of regular and special education programs.

• An IEP is needed to address what skills will be addressed, but this could be a behavioral IEP or Behavior Intervention Plan.

Lead Contact:  Stacy Davila, 281-229-6095

Transportation

 

Transportation is a related service as defined by 34 CFR §300.34(c)(16) of the IDEA regulations and can include travel to and from school and between schools; travel in and around school buildings; and specialized equipment such as special or adapted buses, lifts, and ramps. 

Generally speaking, if a student needs specialized supports and services to be successful in the classroom, then the student is likely going to need those same supports on the bus.  The ARDC determines if special transportation is needed for a student. The transportation department is responsible for providing the route information. Special Programs and Transportation work closely together to ensure safe transportation for our students who need special transportation.