What Are Related Services in a California IEP?
When a child with a disability requires more than classroom instruction to succeed in school, federal and California special education laws may require the school district to provide additional support known as related services. These services help students access their education and make meaningful progress toward their educational goals.
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), students with qualifying disabilities are entitled to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). As part of that obligation, schools must provide the supports and services necessary for a student to benefit from their education.
Related services, also referred to as Designated Instruction and Services (DIS), are often a critical component of a well-developed IEP. Understanding what services may be available and how they should be provided can help parents advocate effectively for their children. If your child is struggling to access their education because necessary supports are missing, a knowledgeable special needs lawyer can help you protect your child’s rights.
Woodsmall Law Group is a trusted special education law firm in the San Gabriel Valley. Whether you are seeking speech therapy, occupational therapy, transportation services, assistive technology, or another form of support, we can help evaluate whether your child’s IEP provides the services necessary to ensure compliance with the IDEA and FAPE requirements.
Is Your Child in Need of a Related Service?
Many parents are unsure whether their child should be receiving related services. Your child may require related services if they:
- Have difficulty communicating with teachers or peers
- Struggle with mobility, coordination, or motor skills
- Require behavioral or emotional support to participate in class
- Need assistive technology to access educational materials
- Have hearing or vision impairments affecting learning
- Require specialized transportation
- Need support to participate in school activities and social opportunities
If your child continues to struggle despite receiving special education instruction, it may be worth reviewing whether additional related services should be added to the IEP. Woodsmall Law Group can review evaluations, identify missing services, and help ensure your child receives the support necessary to succeed
Why Choose Us Over Other Special Education Lawyers in the San Gabriel Valley?
At Woodsmall Law Group, we understand the challenges families face when navigating California’s special education system. We are dedicated to helping children obtain the educational supports and services they need to thrive.
Families choose our firm because we focus on empowering parents through education, advocacy, and personalized legal guidance. Here’s what sets our firm apart:
- Since 2006, we have been advocating for individuals with disabilities and their families, bringing decades of experience to every case.
- Focused representation in special education and special needs matters, tailored to each family’s unique circumstances.
- English and Spanish language services available to better serve our diverse community.
- Compassionate, client-centered approach focused on understanding your goals and concerns.
- Dedicated advocacy for students and families throughout Los Angeles, Pasadena, and the San Gabriel Valley.
- Free consultations for families seeking guidance and answers about their legal options
Don’t Let Service Denials Impact Your Child
When schools fail to provide necessary related services, your child’s education may suffer. Call (626) 440-0028 to learn more today.
What Are Related Services?
Related services are specialized supports provided to assist a student with a disability in benefiting from special education. These services are tailored to the student’s unique needs and are included in the student’s IEP when necessary.
The purpose of related services is not simply to provide additional assistance. Instead, they are designed to ensure that students have equal access to educational opportunities and can make meaningful educational progress.
Schools cannot deny necessary services because of budget limitations, staff shortages, or administrative convenience. If an evaluation demonstrates that a service is required for the student to receive FAPE, the district may be legally obligated to provide it.
How Related Services Support FAPE
The IDEA recognizes that many students require more than academic instruction to succeed in school. A student may need speech therapy to communicate effectively, occupational therapy to improve motor skills, transportation to attend school safely, or counseling services to address emotional challenges that interfere with learning.
Without these supports, the student may be unable to benefit from their educational program. Because of this, related services are often essential to fulfilling the school’s obligation to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education.
An IEP team should carefully evaluate whether a student’s disability creates barriers that require additional services. If so, those services should be documented clearly and provided consistently.
Examples of Related Services
Each service is considered individually based on the student’s educational needs. Not every student will require the same supports, and services should be tailored to the child’s unique circumstances
Several types of services fall under the heading of related services, including:
- Adaptive physical education (APE)
- Assistive technology (AT)
- Orientation and mobility (O&M)
- Physical therapy
- Audiological services
- Interpretive services
- Parent counseling and training
- Rehabilitation counseling
- Occupational therapy (OT)
- Transportation
- Audiological services
- Psychological services
- Recreational services
- Speech-language pathology (SLP)
- School health and nursing services
- Vision services
How Related Services Are Provided
Related services should never be vague or loosely defined. The IEP must clearly describe how services will be delivered so that everyone involved understands what the student will receive.
The IEP team should discuss:
- The student’s present levels of performance
- Areas of need identified through assessments
- Educational goals
- Recommended service levels
- Service delivery methods
- Progress monitoring procedures
Services should be provided in a manner that allows the student to access the curriculum and participate meaningfully in school activities.
Direct Services
Direct services involve hands-on interaction between the student and the service provider. Examples include speech therapy sessions, occupational therapy interventions, physical therapy, counseling, or specialized instruction.
For each direct service, the student’s IEP must stipulate:
- Which IEP goal is the service attached to?
- How often is the service provided?
- Who is the service provider?
- Where will the service be provided?
- Will an assessment be required, and if so, what type of assessment will be used?
- What type of format will be used – individual, small group, consultation, or collaboration?
These details are important because they create accountability and help ensure the student receives meaningful support.
Consult Services
A consult service is a specialized support model in which a qualified professional provides expertise and recommendations to those working with the student. The purpose is to ensure that strategies, accommodations, and interventions are implemented consistently throughout the student’s educational environment.
Consult services may involve:
- Reviewing student progress
- Providing teacher training
- Recommending classroom supports
- Assisting with behavior plans
- Advising parents regarding educational strategies
- Coordinating services among providers
The frequency and scope of consultation services should be clearly documented within the IEP.
Providing Accommodations for a Related Service
Students should be able to participate in all aspects of school life to the maximum extent appropriate. Related services often work alongside accommodations and modifications that help students access their education more effectively.
Accommodations for a related service may include support during:
- Classroom instruction
- Testing situations
- School-sponsored events
- Field trips
- Extracurricular and non-academic activities
Physical Accommodations and Modifications
Depending on the student’s needs, accommodations and modifications may include:
- Adaptive equipment
- Classroom supports
- Braille transcripts
- Extra adult support in the classroom
These supports can help remove barriers that would otherwise prevent the student from participating fully in educational activities.
Get the Related Services Your Child Needs
If your child is being denied essential IEP services, we can help. Call (626) 440-0028 today for a free consultation.
Related Services and Extracurricular Participation
The IDEA does not limit student access to academics alone. Students with disabilities should have meaningful opportunities to participate in extracurricular and non-academic activities whenever appropriate.
Examples include:
- Athletics
- Clubs
- School performances
- Field trips
- Student government
- Social activities
- Community-based programs
Schools may be required to provide accommodations, modifications, transportation, health supports, communication assistance, or other related services to facilitate participation. When extracurricular participation is important to a student’s educational experience, the IEP team should consider what supports may be necessary.
Evaluations and Assessments for Related Services
Before adding a related service to an IEP, the school may conduct assessments to determine whether the service is educationally necessary.
Potential assessments include:
- Speech and language evaluations
- Occupational therapy assessments
- Physical therapy evaluations
- Psychological evaluations
- Functional behavioral assessments
- Assistive technology assessments
- Vision assessments
- Audiological evaluations
Parents have important rights throughout the assessment process. They may request evaluations, review assessment results, and challenge inadequate evaluations when necessary. If parents disagree with the district’s conclusions, they may have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE).
Common Disputes Involving Related Services
Unfortunately, disagreements often arise regarding related services.
Common disputes include:
- Denial of requested services
- Inadequate service frequency
- Failure to implement services listed in the IEP
- Insufficient assessments
- Premature termination of services
- Lack of qualified providers
- Delays in service delivery
- Improper reduction of services
When disputes occur, parents may need legal assistance to ensure their child’s rights are protected. An experienced special needs lawyer can review records, attend IEP meetings, negotiate with school districts, and pursue legal remedies when necessary.
Why Related Services Matter
The impact of related services often extends far beyond the classroom. When services are properly identified and delivered, students have a greater opportunity to reach their educational potential.
Appropriate support can help students:
- Improve communication skills
- Develop independence
- Increase mobility and access
- Build social relationships
- Strengthen academic performance
- Improve self-confidence
- Participate more fully in school life
What Clients Are Saying About Us
Mark Woodsmall is such a kind person-Lorin (5-Star Google Review)
I don’t often leave reviews, but Mark Woodsmall is such a kind person. He gave us a free consultation (knowing he wouldn’t take our case) and provided a lot of valuable insight and information, as well as references and things we could do. He really went above and beyond the call of duty. He’s also very knowledgeable.
The team at Woodsmall Law Group is exceptional-Christina Karaba (5-Star Google Review)
Navigating the complexities of twice-exceptional (2e) education is an incredibly challenging and often overwhelming task. As parents of two 2e children, we found ourselves in need of expert guidance to ensure our kids received the specialized education they are entitled to and deserve. Woodsmall Law Group provided us with the support we desperately needed.
The team at Woodsmall Law Group is exceptional, not only in their legal expertise but also in their understanding and compassion as parents themselves. They offered us invaluable guidance through the intricacies of the IEP process and Special Education, ensuring our children’s educational rights were upheld and their unique needs met.
I cannot overstate the dedication, professionalism, and personalized care the team at Woodsmall Law Group brought to our advocacy journey and the significant impact it’s made on our family.
We highly recommend Woodsmall Law Group to any parents seeking advocacy for their children’s educational needs. Their expertise and heartfelt commitment have made all the difference for our family.
Speak With an Experienced Special Education Attorney in Los Angeles
At Woodsmall Law Group, we help families in the San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles, and surrounding areas protect their children’s educational rights.
If you believe your child is not receiving the related services they need, do not wait to seek guidance! Missing or inadequate services can significantly impact educational progress and long-term outcomes.
The attorneys at Woodsmall Law Group help families understand their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). We advocate for appropriate related services and pursue solutions that support meaningful educational success.
Call (626) 440-0028 to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help.
FAQs About Related Services in California
What are related services in a California IEP?
Related services are specialized supports provided to help a student with a disability benefit from special education. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), related services may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, transportation, counseling, assistive technology, and other services necessary for the student to receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
How does a student qualify for related services?
A student qualifies for related services when the IEP team determines that the services are necessary for the child to access and benefit from their educational program. Eligibility is typically based on assessments, evaluations, and the student’s unique educational needs.
What is the difference between special education and related services?
Special education refers to specially designed instruction that addresses a student’s disability-related needs. Related services are supplemental supports that help the student benefit from that instruction. Both may be included in an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
What are Designated Instruction and Services (DIS)?
In California, related services are often referred to as Designated Instruction and Services (DIS). DIS includes a wide range of supportive services that help students access their educational programs and make progress toward their IEP goals.
Can parents request a related services evaluation?
Yes. Parents have the right to request assessments if they believe their child may need additional supports. The school district must review the request and determine whether an evaluation is appropriate under applicable special education laws.
What should an IEP include regarding related services?
An IEP should clearly identify the related service being provided, the frequency and duration of the service, the service provider, the service location, the delivery format, and the educational goals the service is intended to support.
Can a school district refuse to provide related services?
A school district may not deny a necessary related service simply because of cost, staffing shortages, or administrative convenience. If a service is required for the student to receive FAPE, the district may have a legal obligation to provide it.
What if my child’s related services are not being provided?
If a school district fails to implement the services listed in an IEP, parents may have legal options. It is important to document missed services and consult with an experienced special needs lawyer to discuss potential remedies.
Are related services available for extracurricular and nonacademic activities?
Yes. Students with disabilities may be entitled to accommodations and related services that allow them to participate in extracurricular and nonacademic activities, including sports, clubs, field trips, and school-sponsored events.
How can a related services lawyer help my family?
A related services lawyer can review your child’s IEP, assess whether necessary services are being provided, attend IEP meetings, advocate for appropriate evaluations and supports, and represent your family in disputes with the school district when necessary.
Meet Our Special Education Attorney
Mark Woodsmall
Mark Woodsmall is the founder of Woodsmall Law Group, PC, a San Gabriel Valley-based law firm dedicated to advocating for individuals with disabilities and their families. Throughout his career, Mark has focused his practice on Special Education, Regional Center matters, and advocacy for individuals with special needs. His extensive experience, combined with a personal understanding of the challenges faced by families navigating disability-related services, has made him a respected leader in the field.
Mark has represented children, young adults, and families seeking access to educational services, disability-related supports, and community resources. He is widely recognized for helping families understand and enforce their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and California’s Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act.