IEP Related Services in Louisiana

What related services can be included in an IEP in Louisiana?

Louisiana defines related services as developmental, corrective, and other supportive services required to assist a student with an exceptionality to benefit from special education (Bulletin 1706, §905; Bulletin 1508, §1501(B)). The non-exhaustive list includes: transportation, speech-language pathology, audiology, interpreting services, psychological services, physical and occupational therapy, therapeutic recreation, counseling services (including rehabilitation counseling), orientation and mobility services, medical services for diagnostic or evaluation purposes only, school health and nursing services, social work services, and parent counseling and training. Some services — including school health services, occupational therapy, orientation and mobility, physical therapy, school psychological services, school social work, and speech/language pathology — require specific eligibility determination through evaluation under Bulletin 1508 (Bulletin 1508, §1501(B)). All related services specified in the IEP must be provided at no cost to parents. The IEP must specify frequency, location, duration, and projected start date for each related service (Bulletin 1706, §320(A)(7)). Louisiana has a state Early Steps program (Part C) providing early intervention services for children birth through age 2.