Page 31 - WV NE PRACT HANDBOOK - FINAL 9-1-22.pub

Physical Therapist: A specialist in the evaluation and assessment of sensorimotor delay and disorder with
emphasis on gross motor, balance, walking, and general mobility and functional skills.
Registered Dietician: A specialist trained in the evaluation and assessment of feeding and nutritional
problems. This specialist can provide parents with information and support as well as make
recommendations to assist parents in working more closely with the child’s primary care providers and/or
other medical specialists.
Service Coordinator: The service coordinator provides parents with the information, skills and confidence
they need to identify, obtain, coordinate, and evaluate resources and services on their own. Their role is to
coordinate assessments, IFSP planning, the evaluation and delivery of services listed on the IFSP,
transition, advocacy, and help in the completion of necessary forms and paperwork. A service coordinator
also assists with coordinating other services, programs, or resources the child and family might be receiving
or in need of receiving.
Social Worker: A specialist who is trained in the evaluation and assessment of child and family issues
arising from family life circumstances.
Special Educator: A specialist who is trained in the evaluation and assessment of specific developmental
disorders such as autism, intellectual disabilities or severe behavioral issues.
Speech and Language Therapist: A specialist in the evaluation and assessment of disorders of speech
articulation and communication, including receptive and expressive language. This specialist may also
have areas of specialty such as feeding, oral motor or augmentative communication.
Vision Specialist: A trained specialist in the evaluation and assessment of children with ocular
impairments that cause low vision or blindness. A vision specialist should be a team member as soon as
the child has a diagnosis of a visual impairment from an ophthalmologist. The vision specialist coaches the
families in intervention strategies embedded in their daily routines and provides resources and supports for
the entire team serving a child with a visual impairment. Some specialists also have additional knowledge
and training in working with children with Cortical Visual Impairments.

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