Related services like assistive technology, therapies, parent training, nursing services, vision services, 1:1 aide support, and more help students meet their IEP goals, make progress in the general education curriculum, and participate in school activities alongside peers with and without disabilities. But they often come with a lot of questions: how do we know which services our kiddos actually need (and how to ask for them) when we’re not even sure what’s out there? Is the school providing enough? Can we be trained to support them at home? Can services really be “faded out?” And what do we do if the school pushes back?! Learn how to navigate related services and make sure your child gets the supports they need.
Think related services are just OT and speech?
Think again! Learn what’s really available, how to request them in an IEP (and make sure they’re actually being implemented). Plus, the 3 most underutilized services you don’t want to miss. Learn more→
Take a little pressure off yourself. It’s okay to feel a little lost in the endless IEP to-do list. Track goals, access templates to request service logs and records, flag areas of need, and YES, even breathe a little easier — all within the Undivided platform.
Request the related services your child needs
Did you know you have the right to request materials like visual aids and other tools used at school to continue to support your child at home? Dr. Sarah Pelangka, BCBA-D shares practical tips on how to frame your requests and prepare for IEP meetings with confidence. See our 5 tips→
School vs clinic-based services: do you need both?
Ever wonder what the difference is between school-based and private therapies — and whether your child should do both? Melissa Epstein, OTR/L-MA tells us, “The clinic’s focus is on living skills and activities versus school-based skills.” Find out more→
Denied related services? 5 ways to respond
IEP meetings can be frustrating, especially when schools give misleading or flat-out incorrect answers about related services. Our “They Say, You Say” series helps you respond confidently to statements like, “We only give X minutes a week.” Check out more examples. 5 ways to respond→
And if the district doesn’t listen? An Undivided Navigator can guide you through what to do next — and even join you at your IEP meeting so that you feel ready to advocate for your child.
Related services spotlights
Explore specific services that can be included in IEPs to support our kids’ learning in our spotlight articles:
- Assistive technology
- Individualized 1:1 aide support
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
- Nursing services
- Psychological services
- Audiological and interpreting services
- Vision services
- Orientation and mobility (O&M) services
🔍 Celebrate AAC Awareness Month with discounted apps! 🔍
Many AAC app developers are offering software and memberships at 50% off during October! Check out our article here to see who’s participating and what’s available.
Undivided Updates: OSEP, layoffs, what’s going on?!
You may have seen worrying posts or news stories about layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education, including reports that most of the staff in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) have been let go. Let’s take a deep breath and unpack what’s actually happening→
If you’re raising a child with a disability, Undivided is here to help lift some of that weight off your shoulders. As this parent shares, “I feel more present with my child now because the background noise has reduced.” Hear more of her story in this testimonial.
RSVP for our free virtual event with Dr. Diana Fannon
Ever wonder what’s really said behind closed doors in special education? This event goes beyond the IEP table so you can understand how decisions are really made — and what families can do to make sure their child’s needs are truly heard. Join us on Thursday, November 6, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. PT for a FREE event where Dr. Diana Fannon — former special education director, parent of a child with disabilities, and a disabled advocate herself — will answer questions and share insider insights. RSVP here→
Join us for expert office hours
Do you have questions about homeschooling or transitioning your child to/from homeschool? Join us for office hours on Wednesday, October 22 at 12:00 p.m. PT with Gabriela Gangitano, Undivided’s homeschool specialist. If you’re not an Undivided member yet, get started here to join us for office hours every week.
Upcoming Undivided Conversations
October 18 at 10:00 a.m. – Get the IEP Related Services and Supports Your Child Needs: Dr. Sarah Pelangka, special education advocate and owner of KnowIEPs, explains related services in an IEP, such as speech therapy, 1:1 aides, AAC, and more. Tune in to our Facebook page to watch!
Undivided Voices Podcast Eps. 4: How to Write Inclusive IEP Goals
Crafting IEP goals that truly support inclusion can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Dr. Caitlin Solone, education advocate and UCLA faculty member, shares how to write goals that don’t pull your child out of general ed, ways to make goal work more inclusive, and red flags to watch for before you sign that IEP. Available wherever you get your podcasts: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
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Have you heard of rec therapy as a related service in an IEP? Listen to Navigator Kelly’s story about helping a family request it from the school→
This week in our Facebook group for parents: WPCS hours, focus groups for families affected by the LA fires, and more! Join the discussion→
This past week was World CP Day! Hear a message from Whitney, an Undivided team member who has CP→
Help other parents and providers understand all the different IEP related services available! Share Undivided’s resources on LinkedIn→
