The SCCOE is pleased to offer districts a variety of services in the area of student assessment, staff training, and consultation for students with special needs in the following areas:

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• AAC assessments and access methods for students who have limited verbal skills to include no/low/mid and high tech communication systems that supplement or replace speech with an alternative system provided by licensed SLP. This may include the use of photo/icon systems, sign language, and voice output devices. Training, when requested, to include system or device set up and programming, customizing of equipment or low tech communication systems or device into daily activities, expanding AAC device use etc. Training/consultation time limited to 5 hours.

• Assistive Technology (AT)
• AT assessment to focus on types of supports and access need for student to be successful in the daily curriculum in all areas provided by certified AT specialist. Recommendations for strategies, materials and low/high tech equipment/software to assist students who have special needs by determining modifications needed in the classroom to increase participation throughout the day. Training/consultation time limited to 5 hours.

• Orthopedic Impairments (OI)
• Assessment and support for students whose primary or secondary disability is OI. Provided by a credentialed OI Teacher, services included assistance with the learning abilities and physical needs of students with physical and or other health impairments. Consultation with California Children’s Services as appropriate. Can be listed as a service on the IEP.

• Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH)
• Observation and assessment focused on classroom needs and equipment setup provided by credentialed or licensed DHH specialist, (i.e., a Deaf and Hard of Hearing teacher or educational audiologist.) Consultation services generally include teacher orientation, in-service on hearing loss, advice on accommodations, instructional strategies, and support with hearing aids, cochlear implants and/or FM systems. Assistance in lesson adaptations, auditory training (listening skills), sign language, and/or academic support strategies may be available as appropriate.

• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
• Assessment and limited school setting intervention for severe swallowing disorders in children. Oral aversion cases can be addressed by site OT as they are sensory. Identify areas for intervention and possible need for medical referral. Services to address the following areas: positioning, coughing/aspiration, poor oral motor skills, safe diet level, and need for assistive eating equipment. Training for proper feeding techniques, proper equipment use, and diet consistencies not to exceed 5 hours.

• Vision and Orientation and Mobility
• VI and O&M services, consultation and assessment to provide support for students with visual impairments provided by a credentialed VI or OM teacher. Direct instruction in Braille, cane use and technology as appropriate.

• Occupational Therapy (OT)
• Observation, assessment and consultation to determine the need for Educational based OT services. Assistance with seating, activities of daily living, and environmental modifications provided for students with physical or sensory issues provided by a licensed OT. Consultation with California Children’s Services and assistance in purchasing equipment is available as appropriate. Limited to assessment and five hours of consultation or training.

• Physical Therapy (PT)
• Observation, assessment and consultation to determine the need for Educationally Based PT services provided by a licensed PT. Staff training and assistance with purchasing equipment is available for students with physical or orthopedic impairments. Consultation with California Children’s Services as appropriate. Classroom set-up to enhance participation and access, equipment monitoring and device mounting available as necessary.

• Adapted Physical Education (APE)
• Assessment to determine need for APE service. Direct service or consultation provided to district students, including participation in IEPs, goal writing and consultation to determine the best service delivery model based on student’s identified needs in the least restrictive environment.

• Inclusion
• Inclusion Consultation to include observation, assessment and technical assistance to support and enhance inclusive practices in the classroom. Cost is $250/hour (minimum 2 hours). Contact Inclusion Collaborative at: (408) 453-6576 or Inclusion@sccoe.org.