Speech-language impairments can impact the way a student communicates. Speech errors include errors when producing specific sounds that are not a result of normal development or language acquisition, dysfluency (stuttering), or motor speech issues. Students may also receive therapy for improving the understanding and use of spoken or written language, pragmatics, and meta-linguistic skills. Students with swallowing disorders or dysphagia can also receive services from speech-language pathologists (SLP) in Virginia public schools.
Students must meet Virginia eligibility criteria to be found eligible for services as a student with a speech language impairment or can receive speech-language therapy as a related service if included in the student’s IEP.