Supporting Increased Involvement of Related Service Providers in Inclusive Practices

Thelma Hilton Pierce, Ed.S., M.Ed, CCC-SLPCarrie-Ann Tarzia, MS, CCC-SLP

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

● Describe 3 ways Related Service Providers can contribute to inclusive education.

● List common challenges to Related Services Providers involvement in inclusive practices.

● Explain at least 3 possible solutions to these common challenges.

Boston Public Schools (BPS at a Glance, 2017-2018)

● 125 Schools

● Total Enrollment = 55,594

● Approximately○ 20% of the total with IEPs

■ 35% English Language

Learners

■ 46.6% fully included

■ 13.8% partially included

■ 31.3 % substantially

separate classes

■ 8.3% special schools

Core Values that Support Inclusion

Equity

Coherence

Innovation

Boston Related Service Providers

● Adaptive Physical Education

(APE)

● Audiology (Aud)

● Itinerant Teachers of Deaf &

Hard of Hearing (TODHH)

● Itinerant Teachers of Visually

Impaired (TVI)

● Orientation & Mobility

Specialists (O&M)

● Augmentative & Alternative

Communication/ Assistive

Technology (AAC/AT)

● Occupational Therapy (OT)

● Physical Therapy (PT)

● Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)

Contributions of Related Services:

Delivery of Services

● Consultation● In Class Services● Pull Out Services

○ Individual○ Small Groups

● Response to Intervention

Universal Design for Learning

● Access of All Learners to Curriculum○ Engagement○ Representation○ Expression

Daily Challenges for RSPs Can Include:

Related Services Cohort Views Inclusion as:

● Least Restrictive Environment● Time in and out of general education

classroom according to student strengths and needs

● General education curriculum adapted ● High expectations for all!

A Need for Collaboration

Vanessa Velazquez,(Video)

Physical Therapist

Related Services Providers Survey Questions

1) What does inclusion look like in your schools?2) How were inclusive practices rolled out at your

school?3) Who is supporting the process?4) How do you engage in collaboration?5) What successes have you experienced?6) What challenges have you encountered?

creative solutions?

Takeaway 1: Shared Vision is Crucial

Rachel Colleary,Speech-Language Pathologist

(Video)1. Vision

2. Collaboration3. Communication

4. Flexibility and patience

Takeaway 2: Ongoing Collaboration is Key

● Tawonia Wilkes○ 3rd Grade General

Education Teacher● Marion Sitomer

○ Occupational Therapist

(Video)

Takeaway 3: Role of Related Services Providers Extends Beyond the Student into the Environment

Alyse Zucker,Audiologist

(Video)

Takeaway 4: Strategic Resource Allocation

Successful Implementation

Maureen Lee Maderos,Teacher of Visually Impaired

(Video)

An Example from a TVI Adapting the Curriculum

● UDL Approach● Multi-Modal

○ Texture○ Smell○ Real Objects

A Team Approach: We All Need A Voice

Mary Marcella,Speech-Language Pathologist,Augmentative and Alternative Communication Team Coordinator

(Video)

Turn and Talk

Share some successes from your work with someone from a different district.

(3-minutes)

Creative Solutions to Challenges:

Challenge

1) Need time for collaboration and planning

2) Need access to materials

1) Need for shared vision

Solution

➔ Technology, dedicated meeting time

➔ Augmentative and Alternative Communication Center office hours

➔ Professional development, support cohorts, and mentoring

Continued Challenges

1. Supporting transitions from restrictive to inclusive

settings

a. Loss of scaffolding

b. Need for differentiation in the environment

2. Building mutual respect among professionals and families

3. Expanding effective practices for older students

Exit Ticket

Front of Index Card:● How have Related Service Providers in your district

been involved in inclusive practices?● What challenges are you currently experiencing in

your district?Back of Index Card:● Email Address

References● Aota.org. (2017). [online] Available at:

https://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/Practice/Children/Inclusion-of-Children-With-Disabilities-20150128.PDF [Accessed 22 Apr. 2018].

● Apens.org. (2018). Adapted Physical Education National Standards - What is Adapted Physical Education?. [online] Available at: https://www.apens.org/whatisape.html [Accessed 15 Apr. 2018].

● Apta.org. (2016). Physical Therapy in School Settings. [online] Available at: http://www.apta.org/uploadedFiles/APTAorg/Advocacy/Federal/Legislative_Issues/IDEA_ESEA/PhysicalTherapyintheSchoolSystem.pdf#search=%22school%20based%20PT%22 [Accessed 22 Apr. 2018].

● Asha.org. (2018). [online] Available at: https://www.asha.org/uploadedFiles/slp/schools/prof-consult/slprole.pdf [Accessed 22 Apr. 2018].

● Boston Public Schools at a Glance 2017-2018. (2017, November). Retrieved April 22, 2018, from https://www.bostonpublicschools.org/cms/lib/MA01906464/Centricity/Domain/187/BPS at a Glance 2017-2018.pdf

References (continued)

● Bostonpublicschools.org. (2018). School Listings / School Listings. [online] Available at:

https://www.bostonpublicschools.org/domain/175 [Accessed 22 Apr. 2018].

● Elenko, B. & Sigfried, E (2008). Promoting Inclusion: Information and Strategies in Early

Childhood. OT Practice, 23(5),8-11

● Giangreco, M. F., Prelock, P., Reid, R., Dennis, R., & Edelman, S. (2000). Roles of related

services personnel in inclusive schools. In R. Villa & J. Thousand, (Eds.), Restructuring for caring and effective education: Piecing the puzzle together (2nd ed.) (pp. 360-388) Baltimore: Paul H.

Brookes.

● Profiles.doe.mass.edu. (2018). Special Education Data - Boston (00350000). [online] Available

at: http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/gis/sped_map.aspx?orgcode=00350000& [Accessed 15 Apr.

2018].

● Stilliman, E. , Ford, C., Beasman, J., Evans, D. (1999). An Inclusion Model for Children with

Language and Learning Disabilities: Building Classroom Partnerships.Topics in Language Disorders, 19 (3), 1-18

Many Thanks to:

The Multi-Disciplinary Related Services Inclusion Cohort:

● Regan Andrade- SLP, CAVT (MTDHH)● Rachel Colleary – SLP● Gloria Herrera-Peters- OT● Caitlin Holroyd--SLP● Christopher Landolfi - APE● Maureen Lee Maderos- TVI● Marion Sitomer – OT/ SI Consultant● Vanessa Velazquez- Physical Therapist

Also Many Thanks to:

● Boston Public Schools Special Education Department● BPS Related Service Providers● Tawonia Wilkes, 3rd Grade Teacher● Alyse Zucker, AuD● Mary Marcella, SLP/ AAC Team Coordinator

Contact Information

● tpierce@bostonpublicschools.org

● ctarzia@bostonpublicschools.org