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🚨 Online Registration is Now Open! 🚨

Sumter County Public Schools is now accepting student registrations for the new school year!

Whether you're new to SCSD or returning for another year, all students must complete the registration process.

📝 New families: Complete your student’s registration online.
🔁 Returning families: Add or confirm your re-enrollment forms to ensure your child is ready for the first day of school.

🖥️ Register from the comfort of your home and make sure your child is set for a successful start!

Click here to start online registration or confirm your re-enrollment

15 days ago

Sumter County School District

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ESE Disabilities and Related Services

What Is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technologies are tools and strategies that help students access learning and communicate more effectively. These resources are designed to support students by enhancing their abilities and offering new ways to participate in the classroom. As defined by Lewis (1994), assistive technologies “augment abilities and bypass or compensate for a disability.”

In Sumter County, assistive technology plays an important role in helping students with disabilities succeed in school and beyond. These tools are selected based on each student’s individual needs and are often included as part of their Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Resources for Students with Visual and Communication Needs

Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired (FIMC-VI)
FIMC-VI is a statewide resource center that supports school districts by helping them obtain specialized instructional materials for students with visual impairments. These materials include braille, large print, tactile graphics, and other accessible formats to ensure students have the tools they need to succeed.

PVC Book – Low-Tech Assistive Technology Solutions
The updated PVC Book (PDF, 610 KB), provided by the Assistive Technology Educational Network of Florida, offers step-by-step instructions for creating low-tech assistive technology tools. This resource includes creative and practical ideas for supporting students who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, as well as strategies for enhancing access to books and reading materials.

These resources are valuable tools for educators and families working to support students with unique learning needs.

The Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired (FIMC-VI)

 

Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC)

Hospital Homebound

Hospital/Homebound Instruction Program

The Hospital/Homebound (H/HB) Program provides instructional support to students who are unable to attend school due to a medically diagnosed physical or mental health condition. This program ensures that students can continue their education while recovering at home or in a hospital setting.

The program is designed for students whose condition is acute, catastrophic, or chronic in nature and who are under the care of a licensed physician or psychiatrist. It serves as a temporary educational solution to maintain academic progress during extended absences from school.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • A licensed physician must complete a medical referral form recommending Hospital/Homebound instruction. If the condition is psychological, a licensed psychiatrist must complete the form.
  • The student must be expected to remain at home or in the hospital for a minimum of 15 school days from the date the referral is received by the school.
  • A completed student application must accompany the medical referral.

Referral and application forms are available through your school counselor.

Please note: Due to the nature of home instruction, some courses—such as electives, foreign languages, and laboratory-based classes—may not be available through the Hospital/Homebound Program.

Occupational and Physical Therapy

Occupational and Physical Therapy Services

Sumter County School District – Exceptional Student Education (ESE)

As part of the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Department, Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) services support students in achieving success in their educational environment.

What Are School-Based OT and PT Services?

Occupational and Physical Therapy are related services provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These services are available to students who qualify for ESE programs and require additional support to meet their educational goals.

Once a student’s goals are established through their Individual Education Plan (IEP), the IEP team determines whether OT and/or PT services are needed to support the student’s progress.

How Services Are Delivered:

  • Services may take place in various school settings, including classrooms, therapy rooms, or other learning environments.
  • Therapists may work directly with the student or provide indirect support by helping staff implement strategies, accommodations, or modifications.
  • Collaboration with teachers, staff, and families is a key part of the therapy process.

Focus Areas:

  • Occupational Therapy (OT) may address:
    • Fine motor skills (e.g., cutting, handwriting)
    • Use of classroom tools and materials
    • Self-care and daily living skills
    • Organization and attention
    • Sensory processing
    • Assistive technology
  • Physical Therapy (PT) may address:
    • Gross motor skills
    • Safe movement and mobility within the school
    • Access to classroom materials and equipment
    • Strength and coordination for school-related activities

OT/PT staff also support early intervention through Response to Intervention (RtI) strategies, helping students receive support before formal ESE placement is considered.