I need an adult! …Or a para? Or a Speech Language Pathology Aide?
- Suzanne Dolan
- Oct 14, 2023
- 3 min read
One of the things I notice while going over 7 years of IEPs is the phrase “Adult support” within the Supplementary Aids and Services. any item listed within the Supplementary Aids and services are to be used within the general education setting. During school district meetings, the term “adult support” is used as another term for a “para” (paraprofessional/ para educator) or a one-to-one support.
From first grade to present this is what I have heard during IEP and official meetings. The one to one is there to help Jack primarily with appropriate communication behavior (replace vocal stimming, supervised breaks. etc).
I started to realize there were huge gaps and redundancy in his IEPs. So I was curious as to why the Office of Public Instruction seems to have different terms "paraprofessional" and why that specific term does not show up on his IEP. So I wrote an email to the OPI asking what "adult support" within the Supplementary Aids and Services section of the IEP meant.
What the State Office of Public Instruction Says:
The IDEA, (state) law, nor OPI special education guidance specifically addresses using the terms adult support or paraprofessional in the supplementary aides and services section of the IEP.
What that means:
The state cannot regulate a term they do not acknowledge.
What the reality is:
Any person over 18 and has passed the school background check is capable to “support” Jack in the general education setting.
Ummmmmm. What the fudge?
What the Montana Office of Public Instruction has published:
The term “related service” means developmental, corrective and other supportive services as are required to assist a student with a disability to benefit from special education. One guide p 69
If “Speech/Language” is required to assist a student with a disability to benefit from special education, it would be identified as a related education service.
One guide p 69/70
Something else to know:
In Montana, if your student has an AAC program (uses an Ipad program to communicate) it is not just a paraprofessional that is needed, it is a Speech Language Pathologist Aide that will be the key to assistive technology and assistive technology services. A SLPA will be under the Speech Language Pathologist and is a related service. A para and SLPA have different assets and limitations. Be sure to know who you need, when and why your student needs it. Be sure to understand where and how the collaboration happens, vocabulary boards provided and know that parent/ guardian instruction and support is also a related service.
If you are unsure what items on your IEP mean, go to your state's Office of Public Instruction and look up SPED or guides. Open the PDFs that are offered and use control F to find the words you are searching like I did when I typed in adult support and enter. Then take a day or so for your inner bear to go through the rainbow of emotions so you can take your next step. You have already noticed something is not right in the ordinary world. You have found the odd object and answered the call to action. Don't be afraid to take your next step in the Hero's Journey because you are not alone. We are finding each other and community one step at a time.
I do not see "adult support, 1:1 or paraprofessional" on the IEP under Supplementary aids and services. Who has been supporting my student? What do I do next? |
Write an email to their case worker (usually the SPED teacher) and ask. The school district should be able to reference on the IEP, provide a student access log (who is with the student at all times) and the student ratio ( how many students the para is supervising). |
While you wait for an answer from the case worker: |
Look up your state Office of Public Instruction - SPED - Guides.
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Use control F to find the keywords within the above documents:
If your student needs or uses: Assistive Technology, Assistive Technology Services then look up:
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Where should a paraprofessional be listed? |
A paraprofessional is a related service and have minutes that reflect the expectations within the special and general education setting. |
The para duties should be fully listed within the IEP so parents, teachers and staff understand the expectations and responsibilitites. |
If the student has change of clothing or toileting needs, the parents/ guardians should consider the impact and expectation of same sex para assignment. ( A particular para will not be named on the IEP, however, it is reasonable to ask for a same sex para to assist with change of clothing or toileting.) |
The school district says they can't do anything. What should I do? |
Be sure that your request and their reply is in writing. |
If the will not change the terminology, consider filing a state complaint. Your state Office of Public Instruction will have state complaint forms. Look up similar complaints online so you can look for similar word phrasing. Know what is missing, what you want, what you are entitled to and have your evidence. |
Find the confidence to mail your complaint. |
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Related Svc. Fed ED Code: Sec. 300.156 (b)
(1) Are consistent with any State-approved or State-recognized certification, licensing, registration, or other comparable requirements that apply to the professional discipline in which those personnel are providing special education or related services; and
(2) Ensure that related services personnel who deliver services in their discipline or profession—
(i) Meet the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section; and
(ii) Have not had certification or licensure requirements waived on an emergency, temporary, or provisional basis; and
(iii) Allow paraprofessionals and assistants who are appropriately trained and supervised, in accordance with State law, regulation, or written policy, in meeting the requirements of this part to be used to assist in the provision of special education and related services under this part to children with disabilities.