SASED Services Overview
SASED Services
Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Services are provided to students as described in the Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA). As related services, OT and PT provide specialized interventions to support students' independence and participation in their educational program. The role of occupational and physical therapy in the schools is fourfold: 1) To provide an accurate assessment of student needs in the learning environment; 2) To support teaching staff by providing information on how to interact safely, comfortably and effectively with students; 3) To help adapt programming and the school environment to meet individual student needs and 4) To provide therapeutic intervention as needed to allow the student to benefit from his/her individualized education program within the least restrictive environment.
Instructional Support Team (IST) is a highly trained and diverse group of consultants with backgrounds in educational psychology, applied behavior analysis, positive behavior supports, response to intervention and special education. They have broad training, experience and skills that apply to a wide range of ages, disabilities and learning styles. They work across both SASED and district classrooms and programs from Early Childhood through Transition. The IST provides direct services to assist individual students who are having serious difficulty succeeding in any educational setting. The members of the team are skilled collaborators and use the research proven tool of Functional Assessment to recommend and design proactive behavioral intervention strategies and differentiation of instruction. The IST members not only provide direct service to students and student teams but are expert trainers and conduct workshops and in-service presentations throughout the school year.
Assistive Technology Team provides information and trains IEP teams in SASED programs and in its member districts, to effectively consider and/or implement Assistive Technology for students with disabilities. The development of an AT plan will empower students with disabilities to increase their independence, participation, and productivity in order to function successfully within their educational environment. The team is staffed by a Coordinator, Occupational Therapist, and Speech/ Language Pathologist.
Private to Public Services – SASED assists school districts with decisions related to placement of students in private facilities and in returning students from private placements to public schools.
Mental Health Services – SASED maintains a linkage and contractual agreement with DuPage County Department of Mental Health for consultative services for students who have more severe mental disorders. Approximately 20 students/year are assisted through this linkage agreement
Professional Development Services SASED coordinates a variety of staff development programs including full day institute activities several times a year, as well as weekend classes for graduate credit and after school Skill Builder courses. These programs are attended by SASED and member district employed educational support personnel and certified staff.
User Fee Staff– SASED recruits and employs specialized related service staff (Social Workers, Psychologists, Adapted P.E., Therapists, etc.) and assign this staff on a part-time or full-time basis to member school districts.
Personnel Recruiting – SASED assists districts in the recruitment and employment of qualified special education staff.
Supplemental Grants – SASED actively pursues grant projects to enhance services to students with disabilities. Ongoing supplemental grant projects include Parent, Vocational/Transition Assistance, as well as grants outlined in item G.
Administrative Services SASED provides and/or coordinates administrative duties for member districts which include:
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- iePoint State Reporting Services
- State and Federal Grant Coordination
- Extraordinary Claims & Cost Sheets
- Coordination of Personnel Reimbursement
- Transportation Contracts
- Coordination of Medicaid Direct & Administrative Outreach Service
- Compliance Monitoring
- Administrative Consultation, Mentoring and Technical Assistance to Districts
- Liaison to ISBE
- Computerized IEP Services and Supports
- Provide District Administrator Meetings and Training
- Coordinate Parents’ Advisory/Parent Liaison Groups
- Fiscal and operating agent for DuPage West Cook Regional Association
- Operating agent for the DuPage County Juvenile Detention Center education program (NuVision)
- Private to Public Services – As requested SASED can assist member school districts with decisions related to placement of students in private facilities and in returning students from private placements to public schools.
- Mental Health Services– SASED maintains a linkage and contractual agreement with DuPage County Department of Mental Health for consultative services for students who have more severe mental disorders.
- User Fee Staff – SASED recruits and employs specialized related service staff (Social Workers, Psychologists, Adapted P.E., Therapists, etc.) and assign this staff on a part-time or full-time basis to member school districts.
- Personnel Recruiting– As requested SASED can assist member districts in the recruitment and employment of qualified special education staff.
- Supplemental Grants– SASED actively pursues grant projects to enhance services to students with disabilities.
Diagnostic Services are provided to the 92 member school districts of DuPage/West Cook Regional Association. These services include:
- Audiologicals
- Auditory Processing Screenings
- Ear mold services
- Low-Incidence Psychologicals
