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Related Services and Providers

CPS offers related services to help children with disabilities benefit from special education by providing extra support in needed areas. Related services refers to developmental, corrective, and other supportive services that increase student access to the curriculum and learning environment.

Assistive Technology

CPS provides assistive technology devices and services in two areas: (1) Assistive Technology (AT) to access the curriculum; and (2) Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for communication support.

The appropriate implementation and use of assistive technologies has the ability to increase abilities and provide greater accessibility to educational opportunities for eligible students with disabilities. Assistive technology devices and services can be used to extend physical, social and communication skills and provide the means for academic inclusion. Many students with disabilities have successfully used assistive technologies to minimize barriers to gain access to free and appropriate public education (FAPE).

Learn more at the Assistive Technology Resource Center.

Audiology

Audiology provides care in the prevention, identification, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment of hearing and other central auditory processing disorders. Our audiologists conduct audiological evaluations; make recommendations for goals, service delivery, and/or accommodations for students with hearing loss/disorders; and support students in school and school-related settings.

School Nurses

The primary focus of CPS nurses is to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate the care of students with acute and chronic health conditions. Our scope of practice includes collaborating with parents, school staff, healthcare professionals, and community stakeholders to bring about a plan for health management in school. This may include reviewing communicable diseases, coordinating medication and treatments at school, and reviewing health reports to plan for care as needed. These services are provided through a continuum of nursing levels including Certified School Nurses, Health Service Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses.

Occupational Therapy

Our occupational therapy (OT) services enhance the educational, physiological, and psychosocial development of all students. OT services assist CPS students to achieve their full potential in becoming active members of society.

To learn more, visit The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy services promote CPS students’ gross motor development. Our school-based physical therapists perform a variety of therapeutic interventions focusing on functional mobility and safe, efficient access to and participation in activities and routines in students’ natural learning environments.

Psychology

School psychologists conduct psychological assessments and provide high-quality, evidence-based services to support the academic achievement and optimal mental and behavioral health for all CPS students. In collaboration with various internal and external stakeholders, including students, parents, principals, teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, and community service agencies, school psychologists provide prevention activities and intervention strategies that enhance student outcomes.

Social Work

Social workers seek to understand factors in the home, school, and/or community that impact students’ educational success. They provide comprehensive social-emotional and behavioral supports, including crisis intervention and Safety Plans.  Services may include individual, group, and whole class therapeutic interventions. Social workers make recommendations and referrals based on student/family needs.

School Speech Language Pathology

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work with students directly and/or support teachers and families to prevent or address a variety of communication disorders that adversely impact the academic performance of students, including articulation, language comprehension, language expression, voice, pragmatic language, and fluency.

Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services

773-553-1800

773-553-1801 (Fax)

odlss@cps.edu

42 W. Madison St.
Chicago, IL 60602

Have Questions?

Complete and submit this form to provide feedback or request assistance and support for your child on special education topics such as remote learning.

Join the Diverse Learner mailing list to stay informed.

For questions around special education services, please contact the ODLSS District Representative or Special Education Administrator assigned to your school, Parent Involvement Specialists are also available.

For concerns specific to your child's school nursing services, please review this document. You may also contact us directly using the information below.

Contact Information

School Assignment Services
773-553-1847

Student Transportation
773-553-2860

Nursing Information
(773) 553-Kids (5437)
oshwnursing@cps.edu

SSCA Helpline
773-553-1843