Speech Language Impairment and Occupational and Physical Therapy

Dr. Kateisa Engram
Director
Phone: 770-860-4508
Email: kengram26@rockdale.k12.ga.us

Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) provides Speech and Language Impairment Services to support students in developing the communication skills necessary for success in school and beyond. Communication is essential for learning, social interaction, and participation in daily classroom activities. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work collaboratively with teachers, families, and other service providers to help students reach their full potential.

Speech Language Impairment

Purpose of Services

Speech and Language Impairment Services are designed to help students who have difficulties in one or more areas of communication that impact their educational performance. These services are provided as part of a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and are tailored to meet each child’s unique needs.

Areas of Support

RCPS Speech-Language Pathologists provide assessment, direct instruction, and consultation in the following areas:

Articulation – Helping students correctly produce speech sounds for clear and accurate communication.
Language – Supporting understanding and use of vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Fluency – Assisting students who stutter to develop smooth, effective speech patterns and confidence in communication.
Voice – Addressing voice quality, pitch, or volume issues that interfere with communication.
Pragmatic (Social) Language – Teaching the social use of language, such as taking turns, maintaining topics, and interpreting nonverbal cues in conversations.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) – Providing specialized tools and strategies, such as communication devices or picture systems, for students who need alternative ways to communicate.

Service Delivery

Speech and language services may be provided in a variety of settings, including the classroom, small groups, or individually, depending on the student’s needs. RCPS SLPs collaborate closely with teachers and parents to integrate communication goals into the student’s daily learning experiences.

Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy

Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) provides Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) as part of a continuum of related services that support students with disabilities in accessing and participating in their educational programs. These services are designed to help students develop the functional skills needed for success in the classroom, on the playground, and throughout the school environment.

Purpose of Services

OT and PT services are provided to students who require specialized support to benefit from their educational program, as determined by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. Therapists work collaboratively with teachers, families, and other school staff to help students achieve greater independence and access in their daily school activities.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Occupational Therapy focuses on helping students develop or improve the fine motor, sensory processing, and daily living skills necessary for active participation in learning and school routines.
Areas of support may include:

Fine motor skills (such as writing, cutting, and manipulating classroom tools)
Visual-motor integration and hand-eye coordination
Sensory processing and self-regulation to support attention and participation
Organization and task completion
Adaptation of materials, tools, and classroom environments to support access and independence

Occupational Therapists collaborate with teachers to embed strategies and accommodations into the student’s daily schedule, ensuring skill development in natural learning environments.

Physical Therapy (PT)

Physical Therapy addresses students’ gross motor skills and physical functioning to support safe mobility and participation in school activities.
Areas of support may include:

Balance, coordination, and posture for classroom and playground activities
Strength and endurance for mobility throughout the school
Safe navigation of school environments, including stairs, hallways, and playgrounds
Use of adaptive equipment or mobility devices
Training and consultation for staff to ensure safe student transfers and positioning

Physical Therapists help ensure that students can move confidently and safely within the school setting and participate fully in educational and extracurricular activities.

Service Delivery

OT and PT services are provided in the least restrictive environment and may occur in classrooms, therapy rooms, or other school settings. Therapists use a collaborative model that emphasizes functional, goal-driven interventions aligned with each student’s IEP objectives.

Our Commitment

RCPS is committed to ensuring every student has the communication skills needed to engage meaningfully in academic and social opportunities. Through individualized supports, collaboration, and evidence-based practices, our Speech-Language Pathologists help students find their voice and achieve success.