Hearing Impairment Services

Teachers of the Hearing Impaired at FJSPED are available to serve students with hearing difficulties within the FJSPED member districts. Students are seen for either direct service within their classroom or on a consultative basis.

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Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapists (OT) and Assistants (COTA) at FJSPED work to enhance the student's ability to fully access and be successful in the learning environment. This might include working on handwriting or fine motor skills, helping the child organize himself, working with the teacher to modify the classroom and/or adapt learning materials to facilitate successful participation.

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Physical Therapy

Physical Therapists (PT) and Assistants (PTA) at FJSPED work focus on a child's ability to move as independently as possible in the school environment. The school physical therapist evaluates the child's ability to move throughout the school and to participate in classroom activities.  

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Social Workers

School Social Workers at FJSPED conduct assessments and observation of students for the purpose of identifying appropriate interventions and assist in implementation. They collaborate in the evaluation of students to determine their need for special education services, including assessments of cultural background and adaptive behavior, medical history and current health status. The data gathering and monitoring support the need for services in the areas of mental health, social, emotional, and attention span barriers. Social workers may also provide crisis intervention and consultation services. FJSPED Social Workers may provide direct counseling of individual or groups of students, as well as consultation with school personnel, family, and representatives from community mental health agencies.

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Speech/Language Therapy

FJSPED speech-language pathologists provide a wide range of services to FJSPED member districts including screening, evaluation, therapy, classroom support, technical assistance, program consultation, and many other services that allow students to communicate effectively with others.  Services are provided for children who have difficulty with communication skills, which may interfere with their academic and social interactions. School-based Speech/Language Pathologists see students for treatment of speech sound production, language, voice, and fluency (stuttering).  Treatment is directed by goals established in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), which is developed with input from the IEP team.

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Transition Services

FJSPED is now offering a Secondary Transitional Experience Program (STEP) to qualifying students. STEP is a program approved by ISBE and funded by the DHS Division of Rehabilitation Services (DHS/DRS). STEP is a work experience program that helps students with disabilities prepare to transition to employment and community participation during and after high school. Students work towards independence and self-sufficiency through engagement in a variety of STEP experiences. These experiences may include: assisting students in developing desirable work habits and realistic career goals; providing opportunities for students to explore a variety of careers; offering meaningful work experiences through on-the-job placement; and encouraging students to strengthen the social and personal skills needed to maintain successful employment. Students have the opportunity to continue to receive vocational services through the Division of Rehabilitation Services after graduation. There is potential for financial assistance for college or training.

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Vision Impairment Services

Teachers of the Vision Impaired at FJSPED are available to serve students with vision difficulties within the FJSPED member districts. Students are seen for either direct service within their classroom or on a consultative basis.