What are services like physical therapy and music therapy categorized as in the context of special education?

In the context of special education, services such as physical therapy and music therapy are classified as related services. This classification is important because related services are designed to assist a child with a disability in benefiting from their special education program. These services provide the necessary support to help students achieve their educational goals and address their unique needs, facilitating access to the educational curriculum.

Related services may include a variety of support mechanisms that enable students to participate effectively in their educational environment. For instance, physical therapy can help improve motor skills and mobility, while music therapy can enhance communication, social skills, and emotional wellbeing. Both services play a critical role in enabling children with disabilities to fully engage with their learning and development, thus making them essential components within the framework of special education.

The other classifications, while relevant to support in educational settings, do not specifically pertain to the specialized support provided by therapies like music or physical therapy in the same manner as related services do.