Speech and Language Impairment with FES-UA
A Florida family's guide to funding communication support
Florida lists speech and language impairment as two separate qualifying conditions. Here's what that means for your family.
💡 Quick Answer: Does Speech or Language Impairment Qualify?
Yes — and Florida Statute 1002.394 lists them as two separate qualifying conditions: "Speech Impairment" and "Language Impairment." This is important because they're different things. Speech is about how sound is produced (articulation, fluency, voice). Language is about what is communicated (comprehension, expression, vocabulary, pragmatics). Documentation can be an SLP evaluation, an IEP with speech-language eligibility, or a physician diagnosis. FES-UA funds can cover direct speech-language pathology services from Florida-licensed SLPs, AAC devices and training, language-based tutoring, and assistive technology.
If your child has been identified with a speech or language impairment — whether that's articulation difficulties, language delays, stuttering, or pragmatic language challenges — FES-UA can help fund services.
Here's what makes this category interesting: Florida law lists "Speech Impairment" and "Language Impairment" as two separate qualifying conditions. Understanding the difference matters for documentation and services.
Two Separate Qualifying Conditions
Florida Statute 1002.394 lists both categories:
Speech Impairment
One of the 23 qualifying conditions
Language Impairment
Separately listed as a qualifying condition
Why does this matter? Because speech and language are different things, and your child may have one, the other, or both.
Source: Florida Statutes 1002.394
Speech vs. Language: The Distinction Explained
This confuses many parents (and even some professionals mix up the terms). Here's the simple breakdown:
Speech = How sound is produced
Speech impairments affect the mechanical production of spoken language:
- • Articulation — difficulty producing specific sounds
- • Fluency — stuttering, cluttering, disrupted flow
- • Voice — pitch, volume, quality issues
- • Motor speech — dysarthria, apraxia
A child with a speech impairment may have excellent vocabulary and comprehension but be difficult to understand because of how they produce sounds.
Language = What is communicated
Language impairments affect the content and understanding of communication:
- • Receptive — understanding what others say
- • Expressive — putting thoughts into words
- • Vocabulary — word knowledge and retrieval
- • Grammar — sentence structure, syntax
- • Pragmatics — social use of language
A child with a language impairment may speak clearly but struggle to understand instructions, find words, or carry on a conversation.
Many children have both. It's common to see combined speech-language impairment, especially in younger children or those with developmental differences.
What Documentation Qualifies
To apply for FES-UA with a speech or language impairment, you typically need ONE of the following:
Option 1: SLP evaluation
An evaluation from a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist documenting:
- The specific speech and/or language diagnosis
- Severity level
- Impact on communication and/or learning
- Recommendations for services
This is the most specific documentation for speech-language needs.
Option 2: IEP with speech-language eligibility
If your child has an Individualized Education Program from a Florida public school with speech impairment or language impairment as an eligibility category, that qualifies.
Option 3: Physician diagnosis
A diagnosis letter from a physician or psychologist documenting the speech or language impairment. Less detailed than an SLP evaluation but may be sufficient for FES-UA application.
How Families Use FES-UA for Speech and Language
Direct Speech-Language Pathology Services
This is the primary use for most families. FES-UA can fund:
- • Articulation therapy
- • Language therapy
- • Fluency (stuttering) therapy
- • Voice therapy
- • Pragmatic language intervention
- • Motor speech therapy
AAC Devices and Training
For children who need Augmentative and Alternative Communication:
- High-tech AAC devices (dedicated devices, tablet-based systems)
- AAC apps and software
- Low-tech communication boards
- Training for the child and family on AAC use
FES-UA can cover both the devices and the therapy/training to use them effectively.
Listening and Spoken Language Specialists
For children with hearing impairment who are learning to communicate through listening and spoken language, FES-UA can cover services from certified LSLS (Listening and Spoken Language Specialists).
Language-Based Tutoring
Tutoring can reinforce language skills in academic contexts: vocabulary development, reading comprehension, written expression, following complex instructions.
Provider Requirements: Florida Licensure
This trips up some families: SLPs must be licensed in Florida to receive FES-UA payment.
This means:
- ✓ In-person SLPs practicing in Florida need FL DOH licensure (obvious)
- ✓ Telehealth SLPs serving Florida residents also need FL DOH licensure
- ✗ Out-of-state SLPs without Florida licensure cannot be paid through FES-UA
Before engaging a telehealth SLP, verify they hold a Florida license. The FL Department of Health maintains a license verification portal.
The Overlap with Other Conditions
Speech and language impairments rarely exist in isolation. Common overlaps:
Speech-Language + Autism
Most children with autism have some degree of speech or language impairment. Many autism diagnoses include pragmatic language difficulties (the social use of language). If your child has autism AND speech-language needs, both should be documented.
For more on autism and FES-UA, see our autism guide.
Speech-Language + Hearing Impairment
Children with hearing loss often have secondary speech and/or language differences. FES-UA can cover both audiology services and speech-language therapy.
Speech-Language + SLD
Language impairments often co-occur with reading difficulties. Receptive and expressive language skills are foundational to reading comprehension and written expression.
Speech-Language + Intellectual Disability
Many children with intellectual disability have speech and/or language needs. The speech-language impairment is often addressed as part of the broader ID support plan.
How Tutoring Supports Language Goals
Speech therapy addresses the underlying communication system. Academic tutoring can reinforce those skills in school contexts:
Vocabulary
Direct instruction in academic vocabulary, word-learning strategies, vocabulary in context.
Reading Comprehension
Build background knowledge, teach comprehension strategies, work on inference and main idea skills.
Written Expression
Sentence construction, paragraph organization, word choice and variety, clear expression of ideas.
For more about our reading approach, visit our reading tutoring page.
Families in West Palm Beach and St. Petersburg use FES-UA to combine speech therapy with academic tutoring — addressing the language foundation and its academic applications.
Matrix Codes and Speech-Language Impairment
Your child's FES-UA funding amount depends on their matrix code, which evaluates support intensity across four domains: self-care, ambulation, communication, and behavior.
Important:
The "communication" domain is directly relevant to speech-language impairment. Children with significant communication needs often score higher in this domain, which can result in higher matrix codes.
However, a child with mild articulation difficulties who communicates effectively otherwise may receive a lower matrix code. The evaluation looks at functional communication impact, not just the presence of a diagnosis. If your child has significant communication needs that aren't reflected in their matrix evaluation, you can request a re-evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does speech impairment qualify for FES-UA?
Yes. Speech Impairment is one of the 23 qualifying conditions in Florida Statute 1002.394.
Does language impairment qualify for FES-UA?
Yes. Language Impairment is separately listed as a qualifying condition in Florida Statute 1002.394.
What's the difference between speech and language impairment?
Speech is about how sound is produced (articulation, fluency, voice). Language is about what is communicated (comprehension, expression, vocabulary, social language). A child can have one, the other, or both.
What documentation do I need?
An SLP evaluation documenting the impairment, an IEP with speech-language eligibility, or a physician diagnosis.
Can FES-UA pay for speech therapy?
Yes. Speech-language pathology from Florida-licensed SLPs is an approved FES-UA expense.
Does the SLP need to be licensed in Florida?
Yes. The SLP must be licensed in Florida (FL DOH). This includes telehealth providers — they need Florida licensure even if they're physically located elsewhere.
Can FES-UA pay for AAC devices?
Yes. AAC devices, apps, and training are approved FES-UA expenses.
How much funding will my child receive?
Funding depends on matrix code, which evaluates support intensity. Children with significant communication needs often score higher in the communication domain.
My child has autism and speech delays — which category do I use?
Your child may qualify under either or both. Document both conditions; they may affect matrix code evaluation differently.
Can tutoring help with language impairment?
Yes. While speech therapy addresses the underlying language system, tutoring can reinforce language skills in academic contexts — vocabulary, reading comprehension, written expression.
Ready to Get Started?
If your child has a speech or language impairment and you're approved for FES-UA — or working on your application — we can help with tutoring that supports language development in academic contexts.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your child's needs and how FES-UA can fund their support.
Book a Free Consultation →Sources: Florida Statutes 1002.394, Step Up For Students, ASHA
Last updated: May 2026