What Does Disabled Mean?
Today, more than four million children under the age of fifteen have learning or physical disabilities.
Under the regulations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a student is considered disabled if he/she:

• has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits a major life activity,
• has a record of such an impairment, or
• is regarded as having such an impairment.

A ‘major life activity’ is categorized as any daily activity that people can perform with little or no difficulty such as breathing, walking, seeing, and learning. A student is considered substantially limited in a major life activity if he/she is unable to perform the activity or is significantly restricted in performing it.

A student with a temporary disability, such as a broken leg or an extended illness, may be considered disabled under IDEA’s standards, depending on the nature, severity, and duration of the disability. But, IDEA specifically excludes children with temporary disabilities. Students with temporary disabilities must be examined on a case-by-case basis to determine whether IDEA’s services apply.

Click Here for a list of disabilities under IDEA.

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