Supplementary aids and services
Last updated
Supplementary aids and services are supports that let a student with a disability learn in general education classes and activities alongside peers.
Topic: The IEP document
In plain terms
These supports can include accommodations, assistive technology, a paraprofessional, co-teaching, modified materials, behavior supports, or training for staff. They are central to the least restrictive environment rule: before a team places a student in a more separate setting, it must consider whether general education with supplementary aids and services could work.
How it shows up in an IEP
The IEP lists them alongside special education and related services. Each support should connect to a need in the present levels and be specific enough to implement: "access to text-to-speech for all reading assignments over one page" is clearer than "technology as needed."
Example
So a student with a physical disability can join science labs, the IEP adds an adjustable-height lab table, a lab partner for pouring tasks, and staff training on safe transfers.
The rule
Federal reference: 34 CFR §300.42, 34 CFR §300.320(a)(4).
Related terms
- LRE (Least Restrictive Environment)LRE is the IDEA requirement that students with disabilities learn alongside peers without disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate for each student.
- AccommodationAn accommodation changes how a student learns or shows learning, without changing what the student is expected to learn.
- InclusionInclusion is the practice of educating students with disabilities in general education classes, with the supports they need to learn and belong.
- Assistive technology deviceAn assistive technology device is any item, equipment or software used to increase, maintain or improve the abilities of a student with a disability.
- ParaprofessionalA paraprofessional is a school employee who supports students under the direction of a teacher or provider, sometimes called an aide or educational assistant.
This page describes special education terms and federal rules in general terms and is not legal advice. Our editorial policy explains how IEP Atlas writes and reviews content. Browse all 244 terms.