Special Education/Student Services

Welcome to the Berkley Schools Special Education & Student Services Department!

The Student Services Department serves students who require extra support to be successful. The team oversees Individual Education Plans (IEPs), 504 Plans, categorical programs and classrooms (ASD, CI and EI) as well as specialized staff: psychologists, social workers, speech pathologists, paraeducators and occupational and physical therapists.

District Criteria for Determining a Specific Learning Disability

What to expect during an evaluation - family resource

Information for Families

Procedural Safeguards

Learning Ally

Learning Ally is dedicated to empowering blind, visually impaired, or dyslexic students achieve their goals. (Formerly known as Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic). Visit Learning Ally

Audiobooks are Now Accessible on Apple iphone, ipad, and iPod touch.

To be eligible for a membership, a person must have documented print disability, such as a learning disability, visual impairment or other physical disability. If you think you or your child might have a print disability and may benefit from the services of Learning Ally, you need to have certification of the disability. Click here to find information regarding certification.

Children with Special Needs Fund

Assistive Technology Requests

How do you request support?

AT supports generally stem from the students IEP, or teacher request. With the trend in the UDL philosophy many times a request can be met immediately with a simple software install, or borrowing available technology. If additional supports are needed an AT consultation is recommended. Depending upon the specific AT requirements, it can either be completed within the district, or by Oakland Schools.

What is the consideration process?

We are currently working on updating this process to reflect the SETT framework (student environments, tasks, tools). We are also working to establish standard documents for training (all individuals involved with the technology) and follow-up for review of AT supports.

AT Resources

External Link Bookshare
Learning Ally

Government Resources

AEM: National Center on Accessible Educational Materials
CAST: Center on Accessible Instructional Materials-Research and Development site

Learn about our specialists

What is a School Social Worker?

According to the National Association of Social Workers, "school social workers help students and families overcome the social, behavioral, emotional, and economic problems that prevent learning. They interview students to determine problems, use professional judgment to assess conditions, refer for appropriate professional or community services, and follow up to assure that services are provided and that conditions improve."