In Texas, speech-language therapy is considered an instructional service. This means it can be a stand-alone service as well as a support in order to receive benefit from other special education services. However, in considering the delivery of speech services, all the same factors associated with the individual determination of related services, such as frequency, location and duration of services, must be considered. A child may be determined to be a child with speech or language impairment if;

• The child has a communication disorder such as, stuttering, impaired articulation, a language impairment, or a voice impairment; ( CFR 34 300.8(c)(11)and
• The speech or language impairment adversely affects the child's educational performance; 19 TAC1040(c)(10)and
• By reason of the speech or language impairment, the child needs special education and/or related services (20 USC1401(3)(A)).

Speech therapy services for student served under Community Services/Homebound, are provided by a team of Speech Therapists, however the campus based SLP also has a role in ensuring quality services are provided for our homebound students. 

What is Community Services?

Community Services is a temporary service for medical fragile students. Speech-Language services are provided to students in a variety of settings such as homes, hospitals, & facilities.

How does a student qualify for Community Services?

First, the student must have a doctor prescription for home bound service for the student. Then an ARD meeting is held inviting staff from the Community Services Department along with home school’s ARD/IEP committee and schools nurse. The meeting discussion consists of the student’s medical report, the doctor’s prescription/recommendation, and the Community Services Team recommendations of services.

Continuation of community services is held at the student’s Annual ARD/IEP meeting, where the parent presents a new doctor prescription/recommendation for the continuation of homebound services.

Staff Responsibilities

The Home School Speech Therapist

1. Ensure that the campus SpEd. Chair informs the Community Services (CS) chairperson that the student has been identified as a student with a speech impairment (SI).
2. Attends the ARD/IEP meetings for the student and informs the Community Service (SD) SLP of the meeting.
3. Completes the usual portions of the IEP meeting paperwork after consulting with the CS SLP (goals and objectives, related services page)

Homebound Speech Therapist:

1. Determine the frequency, duration, location of services based on the student’s health/medical conditions.
2. Provide speech therapy services.
3. Complete logbook and progress reports.
4. Communicate with the home school speech therapist.
5. Attend the annual ARDs of homebound students.
6. Complete evaluations for students transferring into HISD.
7. Attend the initial IEP meeting of homebound students.
8. Communicate with the parents, homebound teachers, & other personnel, as needed.