Academic & Behavior Learning Environment (ABLE)
ABLE is a service designed to meet the needs of students facing challenges in communication, social interaction, work behavior, and abstract thinking. The primary aim of ABLE services is to narrow the social gaps, enabling students to succeed in general education settings at or near grade level, with minimal to no Special Education assistance over time. Service options include positive behavioral interventions, reinforcement strategies, teaching alternative behaviors, and fostering empathy and perspective-taking skills.
All students with disabilities are first considered as general education students. ABLE aims to integrate students into the general education environment to the fullest extent possible, based on their Individualized Education Program (IEP) needs.
Adapted Physical Education
Adapted Physical Education (APE) is an instructional service provided to support Arlington ISD's comprehensive physical education program. Its purpose is to provide an individualized physical education program in which the activities and instructional strategies or procedures are adapted to the specific strengths and deficits of students with disabilities. APE is designed to address a student's individual needs as indicated in the student's annual goals and objectives included in his/her individualized education program (IEP).
Arlington ISD Physical Education
Arlington ISD Physical Education is dedicated to empowering all students to lead healthy, active lives through lifelong wellness and physical education. Our vibrant learning community fosters strong relationships, open communication, and meaningful support for educators. By utilizing innovative teaching strategies and diverse instructional methods, we ensure that every student develops the skills and knowledge necessary for lifelong physical literacy and well-being. Students with disabilities are provided full access to the same programs as their non-disabled peers. Emphasis is placed on age-appropriate activities for the achievement of physical, social, and cognitive development toward a wholesome lifestyle.
Alternate Curriculum
ELEMENTARY
Elementary Alternate Curriculum is a service and support option on a continuum designed to meet the diverse needs of students with significant cognitive disabilities. Students access and participate in the grade-level Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) through activities that focus on prerequisite skills. The students demonstrate performance objectives that may include real life applications of the TEKS as appropriate to the students’ abilities and needs. The focus is on instruction and training in functional academic skills, communication skills, self help skills, motor skills, behavior skills and socialization skills. The components of this service place emphasis on preparation of students for independence in life skills for the transition to life outside the public school system.
SECONDARY
Secondary Alternate Curriculum is a service and support option on a continuum designed to meet the diverse needs of students with significant cognitive and adaptive disabilities. Students access and participate in the grade-level Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) through activities that focus on prerequisite skills. The students demonstrate performance objectives that may include real-life applications of the TEKS as appropriate to the students’ abilities and needs. The focus is instruction and training in functional academic skills, communication skills, personal management skills, independent living, community living, job sampling, work training and social skills. The components of this service place emphasis on preparation of students for independence in life skills for the transition to life outside the public school system.
Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology service and support is determined by an ARD committee and directly assist a student with a disability in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology device.
An Assistive Technology device 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 a student with a disability.
Audiology
Provides direct and ancillary diagnostic audiological services to all students of the Arlington Independent School District.
Collaborative Teaching
Collaborative Teaching is a service and support option on a continuum designed to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities. The focus of Collaborative Teaching is to provide collaborative instructional service delivery approach where both General Education teacher and Special Education teacher provides instruction in the General Education curriculum and setting.
Deaf Education
Deaf Education is a service and support option on a continuum designed to meet the diverse needs of students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH). The focus is instruction and training in the communication and language skills essential for educational and vocational progress. The components of the services include a number of hierarchical stages which establish and ultimately transfer newly acquired communication and language skills to all aspects of the student’s educational setting.
Located on general education campuses, the Regional Day School Program for the Deaf (RDSPD) supports students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) by offering individualized small group instruction and interpreter assistance in general education and special education classes.
Dyslexia Services
Arlington ISD Dyslexia Services follow guidelines set by Texas Education Agency to identify, evaluate and provide services for students with dyslexia and related disorders. We provide students with the appropriate interventions and supports to ensure they receive the educational opportunities they deserve.
Early Childhood Special Education
The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) is a service and support option on a continuum designed to provide individualized instruction for three to five year old students who meet one of the state recognized areas of disability. The focus is instruction and training in language, cognitive, social and physical development essential for developmentally appropriate educational performance. The components of this service place emphasis on preparation of students for entry into Pre K, Kindergarten and alternate curriculum settings.
Educational Diagnosticians
Assess the educational, instructional and needs of students referred to special education and those already eligible for services. Work collaboratively with campus and district personnel to provide diagnostic information for instructional planning for individual students.
Homebound Program
The Homebound Program provides a support option for students who are expected to be confined for a minimum of four consecutive weeks or four weeks during a school year for chronically ill students as documented by the student’s licensed physician.
In-Home and Parent Training Services
Provide services and direction for in-home and community training and the development of age-effective social problem solving groups district-wide coordinate, monitor, and facilitate in-home and community training processes including assessment, assignment and implementation of services for students that qualify for IHCT.
Music Therapy
Provide intervention techniques through music for students whose handicapping condition interferes with their ability to benefit from educational programming.
Definition
Music therapy is a related service as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and can, therefore, be included in a student's Individual Education Program (IEP) when it is deemed educationally necessary by the Admission Review and Dismissal Committee. Services are provided by a board-certified music therapist to assist a student in making progress toward non-musical goals with the collaboration of the student's educational team. Music therapy has the potential to address skills within the following clinical domain areas: Cognitive, Behavioral, Physical, Emotional, Social, Communication, and Sensorimotor.
Eligibility
A music therapy eligibility assessment is requested by the IEP committee. The assessment process determines if there are significant differences in student responses with music-related strategies versus those without music-related strategies. Upon completion of the eligibility assessment by a Board-Certified Music Therapist, an IEP meeting will be held to discuss the eligibility assessment.
Resources
Occupational Therapy
School based Occupational Therapy (OT) is a related service, under Special Education, which utilizes goal-directed, purposeful activities to support students with disabilities who qualify for services and demonstrate a need for OT to access and participate in the educational environment. Occupational therapists address the physical, cognitive, psychosocial, sensory and self-care components of school performances, with focus on academics, play and leisure, social participation, self-help skills and transition/work skills.
Physical Therapy
Licensed physical therapists provide intervention techniques for students impaired by physical disabilities that interferes with their ability to benefit from educational programming.
Psychological and Counseling Services
The purpose of the School Psychologist, also known as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) is to provide assessments to determine the presence or absence of emotional disturbance and autism, provide behavioral consultation and counseling, develop behavior intervention plans, assist with crisis intervention, and present staff development.
The purpose of the Special Education Counselor is to provide direct services to elementary and secondary special education students. In addition, they facilitate communication and coordination between school, home and other related services; other services include individual, group and crisis counseling and assessments.
Resource for Reading and Language Arts / Practical English
Resource Reading / Language Arts, including Practical English at the secondary level, is a service and support option on a continuum designed to meet the diverse needs of students with a disability in reading and / or writing. The focus is TEKS- based instruction and remediation in the reading / language arts skills essential for educational and vocational progress. The components of the services include a number of hierarchical stages which establish and ultimately transfer acquired reading strategies and writing skills to all aspects of the student’s educational setting.
Resources
The following resources are helpful for parents supporting their children in RLA.
- AISD Library Media Services Website
- Arlington Public Library - Low Vision Resources Flyer
- Arlington Public Library Website
- Books 4 Teens - University of Texas Project
- Children's Library (English and Spanish)
- Colorin Colorado! Bilingual Site to Support English Language Learners
- Crayola.com Website for Parents & Educators
- Internet Public Library
- Internet Public Library - Kidspace
- Internet Public Library - Teenspace
- On-line Graphical Dictionary
- Reading Questions to Encourage...
- Scholastic News (Resources for Parents, Students, and Teachers)
- Spelling City
- Sports Illustrated for Kids
- Storyline Online - Books Read by Actors
- Suggested Books for Reluctant Readers
- Supporting Readers at Home - Parent Tips
- www.readkiddoread.com
- Reading Rainbow
Resource for Math
Resource Math provides targeted instructional support for students receiving special education services who have identified needs in mathematics. This service emphasizes individualized, TEKS-based instruction designed to strengthen core math skills and concepts necessary for success in academic and real-world settings. Instruction is delivered in a structured environment that builds understanding progressively and promotes the application of math strategies across subjects and daily activities.
Resources
Below are several math-related websites that can be particularly helpful for students with disabilities and their parents, offering a mix of games, interactive tools, visual supports, tutoring, and accessibility features:
Math Resources Available On District Mathematics Page
Interactive Math Games & Skill-Building: These sites use visuals, gamification, and scaffolded practice—great for students with learning disabilities like dyscalculia or ADHD.
- Games aligned with Common Core.
- Designed for grades PreK–6.
- Games often include audio instructions and visuals—great for diverse learners.
Instructional & Tutoring Sites: Focused on concept understanding, these sites are ideal for reinforcing classroom learning.
- Free, high-quality video tutorials and practice.
- Has interactive hints, visual models, and customized learning paths.
- Accessibility features include subtitles and keyboard navigation.
- Personalized skill practice for all grades.
- Tracks progress, offers explanations for wrong answers.
- Subscription required for full access, but some content is free.
- Adaptive, game-based platform with curriculum-aligned content.
- Used widely by schools; adjusts to the student's level automatically.
- Helpful for students who benefit from repetition in engaging formats.
Support for Learning Disabilities in Math: These sites are geared toward parents and educators supporting students with disabilities:
- Resources specifically for students with learning and thinking differences (like dyscalculia, dyslexia, ADHD).
- Includes tips on math accommodations, assistive technology, and how to help with homework.
- Articles on math learning disabilities and strategies for home and school.
- Covers IEP strategies, intervention tips, and multi-sensory math approaches.
CAST.org – Universal Design for Learning
- Tools and frameworks to support learning for all, including those with disabilities.
- Their UDL guidelines promote multiple ways to engage, represent, and express math.
Assistive Tools and Tech Related to Math: These sites/tools can help students with access needs, such as visual processing or fine motor difficulties.
- Free online graphing calculator.
- Accessible to screen readers and keyboard-only users.
- Great for middle and high school students with visual or motor challenges.
- A free iPad app designed for students with dysgraphia and dyscalculia.
- Helps them do math without handwriting.
- Allows students to speak, type, or handwrite math equations.
- Integrates with Google Docs and Microsoft Word—good for students with writing or reading challenges.
Section 504
Arlington ISD has a duty to identify, refer, evaluate and if eligible, provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to disabled students under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Social Emotional and Academic Success (SEAS)
SEAS is a service and support option on a continuum designed to meet the diverse needs of students with severe, chronic behavior that adversely affects the student’s educational performance despite the use of other supplementary aids and services. The behavior is pervasive across the school environment and suggests the need for specialized supervision and individualized behavior intervention strategies. The primary focus is on positive behavior alternatives and increasing coping and social skills needed to be successful in the other Special Education and General Education settings. The components of this support emphasize age appropriate, General Education curriculum in conjunction with continuous pro-active teaching of pro-social replacement behaviors and skills.
SEAS provides an environment which allows for learning and behavior changes through a Social Emotional Continuum. Our focus is on proactively teaching behavior control, problem-solving, decision-making, and relationship building strategies with specific social and emotional processes to replace inappropriate behaviors. The anticipated outcome of the support is that students will reintegrate into the General Education setting, to the maximum extent possible, in a timely manner. Life Management, a class taught by SEAS teachers, provides direct teaching, training, and reinforcement of specific skills needed for social competency. Instruction to students lacking appropriate social responses occurs in varied situations and settings. Lessons and materials focus on developing the interpersonal social and problem-solving skills needed for social competency.
Special Transportation
Special Transportation may include travel to and from school and between schools; travel in and around school buildings; and specialized equipment (such as special or adapted buses, lifts, and ramps), if required to provide transportation for a student with a disability whose ARD committee has determined that this related service is necessary based upon their disability.
Speech and Language Therapy
Speech and Language Therapy Services is a service and support option on a continuum designed to meet the diverse needs of students with speech-language impairments. The focus is instruction and training in the communication skills essential for educational and vocational progress.
Transition Services
Transition Services is designed to be within a results-oriented process, that is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability to facilitate the child’s movement from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment); continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation.
Vision Services
Provide individual instruction to students who are visually impaired which enable them to access the curriculum in the least restrictive environment. Orientation and mobility services may be provided to blind or visually impaired students by qualified personnel to enable those students to attain systematic orientation to and safe movement within their environments in school, home and community.
Vocational Services
Vocational Services is a service and support option on a continuum of services designed to meet the diverse needs of students with a focus on vocational skills. Scroll down to learn more about each of the services/programs.
- 18 PLUSS Services
- AISD 18 PLUSS Food and Nutrition Internship Program
- Project SEARCH - Community Internship Program
- Pre-Vocational Awareness (Pre-Voc)
- Vocational Adjustment Class (VAC)
