Introduction

The purpose of this guidebook is to provide families with an informative resource about the District's Student Services and Special Education. The Lower Merion School District provides an extensive range of educational services and supports for students with learning differences within our schools. Special education services include, but are not limited to, Learning Support, Emotional Support, Autistic Support, and Life Skills Support. Related services such as speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, hearing support, vision therapy, orientation and mobility, and transition services also are provided to eligible students requiring these services due to an educational need. The District also provides gifted support to students requiring academic enrichment, acceleration, or a combination of both.

The Lower Merion School District provides a full range of supplementary aids and services broken into four categories: collaboration, instruction, physical, and social-behavioral (Etscheidt & Bartlett, 1999) to support students' educational needs. Some examples of these aids and services include but are not limited to assistive technology, communication devices, audio versions of books, a braille production center, scribe for note taking in the classroom, copy of the notes taken during the lecture, computer access for note taking with guided notes/skeleton notes to fill in during lecture time, graphic organizers, quiet space provided in the room for tests or quizzes, worksheets with fewer math problems to help with focus and organization, extended time on tests, oral and picture presentation of directions, timers set for time management, and pre-vocational opportunities. The continuum of programs and services for children with disabilities varies in accordance with the changing needs of our student population.

The Student Services and Special Education team is led by several administrators, each with specific focus areas for leadership.

The goal of Lower Merion School District is to be a model of inclusive practices and, beyond that, to foster a deep sense of belonging for each and every student regardless of their disability. The term "disability" is defined, under law, as encompassing individuals who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, have a record of such an impairment, or are regarded as having such an impairment. The District is committed to ensuring that all students with disabilities have access to District programs and activities – and are free from harassment and discrimination – in accordance with federal and state law, including, but not limited to, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEIA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This Guide provides information on processes and topics related to student services and special education. This guide will be updated on an annual basis and can be provided in a print version  or in another language by request to the Office of Student Services & Special Education at 610.645.1918 or DutkieK@lmsd.org.

As you review this guide, you may have questions. LMSD has created a Pathways for Effective Communication as a resource to assist families in determining which staff members are best positioned to answer your questions or address concerns. We are always here to help you!