Disability in Education

What Constitutes a Disability?

• Having a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities
• Having record of such an impairment (Example: Diagnosed with cancer which is in remission)
• Being regarded as having such an impairment (Example: Having to wear eyeglasses, but being treated as if blind)

Requesting a Disability Accommodation

It is recommended to make a request for accommodation in writing. An accommodation is a change in the process, school setting, or in the way things are normally done, to assist a student with a disability in enjoying the benefits and privileges of their education.

Interactive Process

Following a request for accommodation, the school is required to engage in an interactive, cooperative process to identify a suitable accommodation. Both parties must put forth a good faith effort to identify an adequate accommodation.

The most common types of accommodations in K-12 public schooling are 504 plans and Individual Education Plans (IEP).

Process for Obtaining an IEP

1. Disability Suspected
2. Referral Made
3. Evaluation
4. Determination of Eligibility/Disability
5. Development & Approval of the IEP*
6. Determination of Placement*
7. Ongoing Monitoring*

(*annually reviewed)

New Hampshire's Special Education Process document

Information Related to 504 Plans:

• Download the Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504 in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools