Quick answer
Related services are the supports a student with a disability needs to benefit from special education, as defined by IDEA. They include speech-language therapy, occupational and physical therapy, school health and nursing, counseling, psychological services, and interpreting. When a related service is written into an IEP, the school must provide it.
Key takeaways
- Related services are required supports under IDEA, not optional extras.
- They're delivered by licensed professionals or supervised assistants.
- The IEP sets the type, frequency, length, and location of each service.
- Unfilled positions can mean missed minutes the school must make up.
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), "related services" are the supports a student with a disability needs in order to benefit from special education. When a related service is written into a student's IEP, the school is responsible for providing it.
Common related services
Speech-language therapy
Provided by: SLPs, SLPAs
Communication, language, articulation, and AAC.
Occupational therapy
Provided by: OTs, COTAs
Fine motor, sensory, visual-motor, and self-care skills.
Physical therapy
Provided by: PTs, PTAs
Mobility, gross motor skills, and safe access around school.
School health & nursing
Provided by: school nurses
Medication, health plans, and medical procedures during the day.
Counseling & social work
Provided by: counselors, social workers
Social-emotional support, coping skills, and family connection.
Interpreting
Provided by: educational interpreters
Access to instruction for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Other related services include psychological services, orientation and mobility, audiology, and specialized transportation.
How services are delivered
- Pull-out — in a separate therapy room, individually or in small groups
- Push-in — inside the classroom during regular instruction
- Consultation — the provider coaches the teacher on supports
- Teletherapy — where the state and IEP team allow it
Why staffing matters
Many districts struggle to hire related-service providers — especially SLPs, OTs, school psychologists, and nurses. When a position sits empty, students can miss service minutes the school is required to provide. That's why many schools use contract providers to cover vacancies, leaves, and caseload growth.
How related services get added to an IEP
- 1
A need is identified
A parent, teacher, or provider raises a concern — for example, about speech, motor skills, or health needs.
- 2
The student is evaluated
With parent consent, a qualified provider evaluates the student in that area.
- 3
The team decides
The IEP team reviews the results and decides whether the service is needed for the student to benefit from special education.
- 4
The service is written in
The IEP lists the service, frequency, duration, and location, and progress is reported along with the student's goals.
Related services and 504 plans
Students with 504 plans can also receive related services, such as nursing support or counseling, when they're needed for the student to access their education. The difference is that a 504 plan doesn't require the student to need specially designed instruction.
Tips for families
- Ask which provider will deliver each service and how often you'll hear from them
- Ask how missed sessions — for illness, holidays, or staffing gaps — are made up
- Request copies of evaluation reports before the IEP meeting
- Ask how the provider will share strategies you can use at home
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between special education and related services?
Special education is specially designed instruction. Related services are the supports — like speech therapy, OT, PT, nursing, or counseling — a student needs to benefit from that instruction. Both are written into the IEP.
Are school nurses a related service?
Yes. School health services and school nurse services are listed as related services under IDEA when a student needs them to access their education.
Who provides related services in schools?
Licensed or credentialed professionals such as speech-language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, school nurses, school psychologists, social workers, and interpreters — and, in many states, supervised assistants such as SLPAs, COTAs, and PTAs.
What happens if a school can't find a provider for a related service?
The school is still responsible for providing the service in the IEP. Schools often use contract providers or teletherapy (where allowed) to cover gaps, and may owe compensatory services for sessions that were missed.