Specialized Services
Our staff of highly qualified professionals provides direct and consulting services to students. Consultative services are also available to support local programming efforts and provide training for district specialists. Services may be arranged on a one-time or continuing basis:
- Direct Services to Students
- Consultation Services
- Staff Training and Coaching
For more information, please contact:
Office of the Administrator of Special Education
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413-584-1664 x100
SPECIALIST SERVICES INCLUDE:
Adapted Physical Education (APE)
Adapted Physical Education services are designed for students with special needs who are unable to participate in general physical education. The APE teacher will adapt the objectives, content, or delivery of instruction in order to meet the individualized needs of the students.
Assistive Technology
These services address communication disabilities through the use of alternative and augmentative communication and adapted curriculum solutions. Assessment and consultation services are available through our nationally known Collaborative Center for Assistive Technology and Training (CCATT).
Learning Disabilities Services
Services include specialized instruction for students with phonologically based-dyslexia, language-based learning disabilities, visual-perceptual weaknesses, non-verbal learning disabilities, and written language or math disabilities. Services are also provided for other disabilities that impact learning, such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD), executive functioning, processing, and memory impairments, as well as Asperger’s Syndrome. Specialists work as a team with students to determine academic impact, monitor progress, and develop learning goals, strategies, and study skills to facilitate student success. Psycho-educational evaluations are available as needed.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Licensed specialists provide services that are designed to enhance a student's ability to function in an educational program. Therapies include adaptive living skills, functional mobility, positioning, sensory-motor processing, fine and gross motor performance, life and vocational skills, and psychosocial adaptation. OT services are also available directly through our Occupational Therapy Center (OTC).
Physical Therapy (PT)
Licensed specialists provide services that address a child's posture, muscle strength, mobility, and organization of movement in educational environments. Services may also include treatment to increase joint function, muscle strength, and mobility and endurance; improvement of gross motor skills, range of motion, posture, gait, and body awareness; and the monitoring of proper function, fit, and use of mobility aids and devices.
Psychological Services
These services are delivered when necessary to meet students' needs. They may include administering psychological and educational assessments, interpreting test results, interpreting a student's behavior and conditions related to learning, and consulting with teachers in planning programs to meet student needs.
Speech-Language Pathology
Licensed specialists provide services that address the needs of students with communication disabilities. They may include the assessment and identification of speech or language impairments, referral for medical or other professional attention, provision of direct or consultative speech and language services to students, and counseling and guidance for parents and teachers.
Vision/Mobility
Licensed specialists provide services to blind or visually impaired students such as teaching students to utilize aids and other accomodations, developing systematic orientation to and safe movement within the school, and understanding and using remaining visual and low vision aids. Specialists may also provide classroom teachers with strategies for accomodations or modifications to improve instruction.