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Services
Up one levelACCESS
The ACCESS program is a system that can be used by schools districts, intermediate units, state-owned schools, or approved private schools (APS) to obtain funding for health related services for special education students. These agencies can obtain funding for health-related services that are currently being provided to children.
Alternative Education
Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth Programs provide participating students with a course of instruction, which recognizes their special needs and prepares them for successful return to a regular school curriculum and/or completion of the requirements for graduation.
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Autistic Support
Eligibility and need for Autistic Support Services are determined through the Multidisciplinary Evaluation and the Individualized Education Program Plan process.
Cresson Secure Treatment Unit
Cresson Secure Treatment Unit (CSTU) is a 52-bed, state-of-the-art, high security facility that provides education, treatment and rehabilitation to juvenile offenders from across the state of Pennsylvania. These offenders typically are sent to CSTU after failing to adjust at less secure facilities in the PA Juvenile Corrections System.
Emotional Support
Education plays a critical role in the development of children. The Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 Emotional Support Program services children who have been identified as needing an individualized level of intervention beyond what is available in their regular school environments.
Extended School Year
Intermediate Unit 8 coordinates and operates an Extended School Year Program in four counties including Bedford, Blair, Cambria, and Somerset.
Gifted Education
Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 provides programs and services to assist local school districts in meeting the educational needs of gifted students in grades K-12.
Intensive Interagency
Students with disabilities do not always receive a timely and appropriate education placement because educators do not always have ready access to a sufficient and complete array of services.
Life Skills Support & Multiple Disabilities Support
Students who qualify for special education services in the areas of Life Skills Support and Multiple Disabilities Support demonstrate significant difficulties in acquiring academic and functional daily living skills.
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention is a safe, non-harmful behavior management system designed to help human service workers provide for the best possible care and welfare of assaultive, disruptive, or out-of-control persons even during the most violent moment. The training focuses on prevention, de-escalation, personal safety and physical intervention.
Physical/Occupational Therapy
Physical and Occupational therapy are related services that are available to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Service Agreements who need PT and/or OT to benefit from education.
Preschool
Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 Preschool Services provide special education services for qualifying children aged 3-5 who are not yet eligible for kindergarten. A Multidisciplinary Team evaluation determines if a child is eligible for services; that is, exhibiting at least a 25 percent developmental delay and in need of specially designed instruction.
School Psychologists
School psychologists have specialized training in the fields of psychology and education. They use their skills and training to work with students, parents, and school personnel to help all children reach their learning potential. School psychologists are certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and some earn national certification status.
Speech/Language Support
The Speech/Language Support Program provides services to students displaying communication disorders such as stuttering, impaired articulation, a language impairment or a voice impairment, to the extent that it adversely affects a student’s educational performance.
Transition
Federal and state regulations mandate that transition planning must occur for all eligible students with disabilities in Special Education as part of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process no later than age 16 and younger if appropriate.
Transportation
Local school districts are responsible for the transportation of their students. If specialized transportation as a related educational service is needed, the district can request that IU 8 provide transportation for students.