Each Related Service Provider (RSP) works in a specific area(s) to support students’ growth and wellbeing beyond the academic curricula.

General Information on Related Service Providers

• Related Service Provider is often shortened to RSP.
• RSPs support students throughout the day in specific areas, including speech language pathology, audiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, psychological services, and transportation services.
• RSPs do not focus on students’ curricular or academic learning, but instead work to support students’ participation in their overall learning experience.
• RSPs work with students by “pulling out” for services, individually or in small groups. You may see them working in the hallways or in their designated therapy rooms.
• Alternatively, RSPs can “push in” to a class to support students during the lessons. RSPs have complicated schedules to ensure they can fulfill the mandated time for each student with whom they work, but inviting them to push in during your classes will mean students are less likely to miss time in your residency or workshop.
• RSPs can be great resources to share new ways to adapt your curriculum and activities to foster student growth, or provide specific materials to support your curriculum.

From the IDEA: “Related services means transportation and such developmental, corrective, and other supportive services as are required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education, and includes speech-language pathology and audiology services, physical and occupational therapy.”  Related Services – NYC Schools

Note: Paraprofessionals, who may work with one student during the school day or support a classroom full of students, and directly focus on student learning, are generally not considered RSPs. GIVE Paraprofessionals Resource

Engaging RSPs in Your Residency or Workshop

• Consult with your Classroom Teachers or School Administrators on how to invite RSPs into your residency or workshop.
• Include the RSPs in your initial planning meeting to learn what “push-in” may look like for the students during your class.
• Ask the RSPs to integrate their support for a student with the skills from your lesson when they “push in”.
• Ask if they can provide support peripherally by programming speech devices, sharing alternate tool grips, or providing other supports for students.

Types of RSPs Who Might Support Your Residency or Workshop

These are the RSPs with whom you are most likely to interact during your arts program.

Speech/Language Therapists

Speech and Language therapists model speech and use repetition exercises to improve speech and language. Speech therapists might use play or books to stimulate communication and increase chances to develop language skills. Therapists also model correct pronunciation, articulation, and expression during play activities and sometimes physically show a child how to move their mouths and tongues properly. They also provide and train students and teachers on assistive speech devices.

Physical Therapists (PT)

Physical therapists work with students who have difficulty with mobility and stability. The goal of PT is to help students develop gross motor skills. A therapist will assess whether a student needs aids such as standers, wheelchairs, or orthotics, and will help the student and their teachers become familiar with this equipment.

Occupational Therapists (OT)

Occupational therapists work with fine motor skills, sensory processing, visual skills, and self-care. Typical activities during sessions might involve grasping and releasing, improving hand-eye coordination, handwriting skills, and daily living tasks. OT is also useful in teaching social skills, anger management, and improved focus.

Other Types of Related Service Providers

RSPs can also provide the following services for students:

• Assistive Technology Services: support students in accessing classroom materials as well as communication in the classroom.
• Counseling: provides support around social, emotional, and coping skills.
• Hearing Education Services: support communication skills for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Orientation and Mobility Services: help students who are visually impaired improve awareness of and ability to successfully navigate their surroundings.
• School Nurse Services: support students with health-related needs.
• Sign Language Interpreter: supports students, teachers, and staff in academic and social interaction.
• Vision Education Services: help students who are blind or have visual impairments to use braille.