Related Services for School-Aged Children with Disabilities.

This theme issue provides an overview of related services for school aged children with disabilities as required by federal law, especially the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It identifies the personnel associated with delivering various services including audiology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychological services, medical services, school health services, transportation, counseling, speech language pathology, social work, parent counseling and training, recreation therapy, assistive technology devices and services, artistic/cultural therapies, and the school breakfast and lunch program. It discusses how related services are typically obtained for students, as well as how school districts deliver, coordinate, and fund related services. Also examined are personnel shortages in such areas as physical and occupational therapy, psychology, counseling, social work, and speech/language pathology. Recent court cases, due process hearings, and the specifics of federal law are noted. School districts are encouraged to write complete Individualized Education Programs, to work with parents to develop services, to improve coordination of services, and to take constructive community actions. Includes 50 references, a bibliography of 46 items, and a listing of 30 organizations or other national information resources. (DB)