About Multiple Disabilities and IEP Accommodations

Multiple Disabilities refers to the combination of two or more disabilities occurring together (such as intellectual disability with orthopedic impairment, or deafness with blindness), where the combination creates educational needs that cannot be addressed by programs designed for a single disability alone.

Accommodations for students with multiple disabilities are highly individualized and often require a team approach. The IEP team should include specialists for each area of need. Accommodations may span assistive technology, communication systems, physical accessibility, sensory supports, and modified curriculum, all tailored to work together.

Advocate for your child's inclusion to the maximum extent appropriate. Students with multiple disabilities have the same right to Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) as any student with a disability. With the right accommodations and supports, many students with multiple disabilities can participate in general education for at least part of their day.