What is speech or language impairment?

According the the Georgia Department of Education, "a speech or language impairment refers to a communication disorder, such as stuttering, impaired articulation, language or voice impairment that adversely affects a child’s educational performance. A speech or language impairment may be congenital or acquired. It refers to impairments in the areas of articulation, fluency, voice or language. Individuals may demonstrate one or any combination of speech or language impairments. A speech or language impairment may be a primary disability or it may be secondary to other disabilities. [34 C.F.R. § 300.8(c)(11)]"

Great, but what does that mean???

Good question! Let's put that definition in layman's terms.

Communication disorders can involve stuttering, difficulty pronouncing sounds or words accurately, difficulty understanding and using language effectively or difficulties using your voice effectively. A student can have just one of these difficulties or a combination of these.

In order to be considered a communication disorder, for the purposes of education, the area of concern must 'adversely affect the student's educational performance.' That part is determined by an eligibility committee after formal evaluation is completed.

Is speech or language impairment considered special education?

Yes. School speech therapy is funded through the special education department of the Georgia Department of Education. Your student may receive special education for speech impairments only, or your student may qualify to receive additional special education services. This is determined by your student's eligibility and IEP teams.

What should I do if I think my child has a speech or language impairment?

Thomas County School System uses a tiered intervention process called Response to Intervention which is a problem-solving model that organizes school intervention services for students who are not meeting academic or behavioral expectations. This is an important general education process used to meet the needs of all students. Parents should discuss their concerns with their child's teachers. Parents and teachers can decide together if interventions are needed. The school speech therapist may be asked to participate in this decision making process. Please refer to the Special Education Terms and Definitions page for RTI and Direct Parent Referral.