Parent advisory council urges board to spotlight speech-language services for students with IEPs

Mary Nolan, speaking for the Albany Special Education Parent Advisory Council, addressed the board about the prevalence and impact of speech-language impairments among students with individualized education plans. She said speech-language impairment is the second-most common special education classification and described receptive, expressive and pragmatic language disorders and the role of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.

Nolan, a retired district speech-language pathologist, said interventions range from screening to small-group therapy and that not all students receiving speech therapy have IEPs. She emphasized that speech-language supports are integral to students' academic and social development, saying, "speech language intervention is not just about talking. It's about enabling students to connect, learn, and develop their cognitive and social skills." The board thanked Nolan and noted public comment procedures and privacy constraints for individual student issues.

The public comment reinforced board discussion earlier about supports for multilingual learners and services that may be affected if certain grants or funding streams end. Board members expressed appreciation for Nolan’s expertise and requested staff follow-up as appropriate through district channels.

Next steps: district staff to continue engagement with CPAC and ensure speech-language needs are reflected in grants and service planning.