Support in school for children with intellectual and physical disabilities
Your child has a right to an education – at their own pace and with the support they need. A school support worker ensures that an intellectual or physical disability does not stand in the way of your child’s education. We tailor our support closely to your child’s needs – and always focus on what they can already do for themselves. As much support as necessary, as little as possible.
How intellectual and physical disabilities manifest in everyday school life
Every child is different – we encounter these issues particularly frequently in everyday school life:
- Participation in lessons despite varying learning speeds: Tasks may require more time, smaller steps or a different explanation. Your child should be able to take part, rather than falling behind.
- Care, mobility and assistive devices: going to the toilet, positioning, eating, moving to the next classroom or using a wheelchair, standing frame and other assistive devices are all part of the school day for many children.
- Communication – spoken or supported: Some children speak, whilst others communicate using sign language, symbol cards or communication aids. Being understood is the foundation for everything else.
- Social integration into the class: Belonging, joining in, not being alone at break time – contact with classmates doesn’t always happen naturally.
- Independence, step by step: What still requires help today may be achieved independently tomorrow. We keep a close eye on developmental milestones.
How our support works
We focus precisely on where your child needs support – without taking away anything they can manage on their own:
- Facilitating supported communication: We work with your child’s chosen means of communication – speech, sign language, symbol cards or a communication aid – and ensure that they are heard. → More about our methods
- Structuring routines: Clear, predictable daily routines and prepared transitions provide security and make the school day easier. → Structuring
- Providing reliable support with personal care and mobility: We assist with getting around, positioning and using assistive devices – discreetly and respectfully.
- Promoting social integration: We build bridges to the class without getting in the way, and step back when interactions are going smoothly on their own.
- Upholding dignity and self-determination: We act in such a way that your child’s dignity is always upheld, and involve them in decisions as much as possible. → Promoting independence
- Independence as a goal: We withdraw our support as soon as your child no longer needs it.
Legal basis & application
In the case of a mental or physical disability, a school support worker can generally be considered as a service to facilitate participation in education within the framework of integration support. The responsible funding body is usually the social welfare office under Section 112 of SGB IX. The responsible funding body assesses and decides on a case-by-case basis whether an entitlement exists in a specific case and to what extent. We guide you through the application process and support you with the necessary steps.
Qualifications of our support workers
Every school support worker undergoes a multi-stage selection process before being assigned to work alongside a child. At our own Splash Academy, we prepare them for everyday school life – with targeted training in supported communication, personal care and mobility, as well as in treating people with physical and intellectual disabilities with dignity. This ensures that the support is truly tailored to your child’s needs.
Frequently asked questions
My child cannot communicate using spoken language – can the support still help?
Yes. We work with the communication method that suits your child – whether that’s sign language, symbol cards or an electronic talker. It’s important to us that your child is understood and can express themselves.
Does the school support also include care tasks?
Our support staff assist with mobility, positioning and daily activities during the school day, provided this has been agreed and is necessary. We will clarify exactly which care tasks are included in consultation with you and the school.
Is school support only available at special schools or also at mainstream schools?
Both are possible. We support children at both mainstream and special schools – the decisive factor is your child’s individual needs, not the type of school.
Won’t the support take away my child’s independence?
On the contrary. We only help where necessary and gradually step back as soon as your child is able to do something for themselves. Our aim is to foster greater independence, not greater dependence.
Who covers the costs of school support?
In cases of physical or intellectual disability, the social services department is usually the funding body responsible for integration support under Section 112 of SGB IX. The relevant funding body decides on eligibility and the scope of support on a case-by-case basis – we’ll guide you through the application process.
Let’s talk about your child
In a free initial consultation, we’ll clarify your child’s needs, the application process and the next steps – with no obligation.
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Our own Splash Academy · Multi-stage selection process · Support at mainstream and special schools
This page is for information purposes only and does not replace medical or legal advice. The decision as to whether school support is appropriate and eligible for funding is made by the relevant funding body on a case-by-case basis.