IEP Related Services in Wisconsin
What related services can be included in an IEP in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin defines related services consistent with federal law in Wis. Stat. § 115.76(14): transportation and developmental, corrective, and other supportive services required to assist a student with a disability to benefit from special education. Covered services include speech-language pathology, audiology, interpreting services, psychological services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, recreation and therapeutic recreation, social work, school nursing services, counseling, orientation and mobility, and medical services for diagnostic or evaluation purposes. The IEP must specify each related service with its frequency, duration, location, and projected start date (Wis. Stat. § 115.787(2)(f)). Wisconsin's CESAs (Cooperative Educational Service Agencies — 12 regional agencies created under Wis. Stat. § 116.01) frequently provide contracted related services (e.g., PT, OT, low-incidence specialists) to member districts on a shared-services basis, especially in rural areas. Related services must be provided at no cost as part of FAPE.
What Wisconsin Requires
The IEP must specify each related service with its frequency, duration, location, and projected start date (Wis. Stat. § 115.787(2)(f); 34 CFR 300.320(a)(7)).
Related services include: speech-language pathology, audiology, interpreting, psychological services, OT, PT, recreation, social work, school nursing, counseling, orientation and mobility, and medical diagnostic services (Wis. Stat. § 115.76(14)).
If the district cannot provide a related service directly, it may contract with external providers — including Wisconsin's 12 regional CESAs — at no cost to the family (Wis. Stat. §§ 115.76(7), 116.01).
Assistive technology devices and services must be provided when required by the IEP, including in the home if the IEP team determines it is necessary (34 CFR 300.105).
Physical and occupational therapists must hold applicable Wisconsin state licenses to provide school-based services (Wis. Admin. Code PI 11.24).
Key Timelines
Related services must begin on the projected start date documented in the IEP and be in effect at the beginning of each school year (34 CFR 300.323(a)).
Related services must be reviewed at least annually as part of the annual IEP review (Wis. Stat. § 115.787(4)).
For out-of-state transfer students, comparable services must begin promptly and a new IEP must be completed within 60 days of enrollment (Wis. Admin. Code PI 11.07).