The frequency, location, and duration of the services are also specified by the IEP Team. Related services are not synonymous with support services. Transportation in this guidebook refers to the means by which a student travels to and from school. According to IDEA 1997, supplementary aids and services means aids, services, and other supports that are provided in general education classes or other education related settings to enable children with disabilities to be educated with nondisabled children to the maximum extent appropriate. Accommodations are supports or services provided to help a student across the general curriculum.
Modifications are changes made to the content and performance expectations for students.
The support of a paraprofessional may be one alternative the team explores as a way of providing modifications to enable a student to meet specific goals and The student is unable to access appropriate educational services without a paraprofessional to assist with specific IEP objectives. The services of a paraprofessional are essential to implement the support and modifications needed to achieve IEP objectives and enable the student to acquire a free appropriate public education. In many situations paraprofessionals are assigned to a special education classroom or program rather than a particular student. The paraprofessional works in the classroom and in other parts of the building supporting children and youth in special and general education environments. The children and youth benefit from the assistance and support of a paraprofessional as a routine component of that program model.