What Does It Mean to Be a Student With An Intellectual Disability?

Q: How can I find out if a student qualifies for special education services?

Contact the school district to request an evaluation for special education services based on the student&#039;s needs.

Q: What types of accommodations are available for students with intellectual disabilities?

Accommodations may include modified assignments, additional time for tests, and access to assistive technology.

Definition & Meaning

A student with an intellectual disability is defined as an individual who has significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. This includes difficulties in conceptual, social, and practical skills. Additionally, this individual is either currently or was previously eligible for a free appropriate public education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This definition emphasizes the importance of recognizing the unique challenges faced by these students and ensuring they receive the necessary support in educational settings.

Table of content

Legal Use & context

The term "student with an intellectual disability" is primarily used in the context of education law, particularly in relation to special education services. It is relevant in civil law matters involving educational rights and access to appropriate resources. Legal practitioners may encounter this term when dealing with cases related to educational accommodations, eligibility for services, and compliance with federal and state education laws. Users can manage related forms and procedures through resources like US Legal Forms, which offer templates drafted by qualified attorneys.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A high school student with an intellectual disability may require specialized instruction and support services to succeed in their academic environment. This could include individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to their specific needs.

Example 2: A college student with an intellectual disability may seek accommodations such as extended time for exams or access to assistive technology to help them complete their coursework effectively. (hypothetical example)

Relevant laws & statutes

The primary law governing the educational rights of students with intellectual disabilities is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures that children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education. Additionally, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs receiving federal financial assistance.

State-by-state differences

State	Key Differences
California	California has specific guidelines for the assessment and identification of students with intellectual disabilities.
Texas	Texas offers additional support services through its special education program, which may differ from federal standards.
New York	New York has unique eligibility criteria and support mechanisms for students with disabilities.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term	Definition	Key Differences
Developmental Disability	A broad term for disabilities that occur during the developmental period.	Includes a wider range of disabilities beyond intellectual disabilities.
Learning Disability	A specific type of disability that affects the ability to learn in a typical manner.	Not all students with learning disabilities have intellectual disabilities.

Common misunderstandings

Misconception: All students with intellectual disabilities are unable to learn.
Clarification: Many students with intellectual disabilities can learn and thrive with appropriate support and accommodations.
Misconception: Intellectual disabilities are the same as learning disabilities.
Clarification: Intellectual disabilities encompass broader cognitive limitations, while learning disabilities refer to specific challenges in learning processes.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you or someone you know is a student with an intellectual disability, it is important to understand your rights to educational support. Consider the following steps:

Contact your school to discuss available resources and support services.
Explore the possibility of developing an individualized education plan (IEP) tailored to specific needs.
Utilize US Legal Forms to access legal templates that can assist in navigating educational rights and accommodations.
If necessary, seek professional legal advice to ensure proper representation and support.

Find the legal form that fits your case

Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.

This field is required

Quick facts

Typical fees for special education services vary by state.
Jurisdiction: Primarily under federal and state education laws.
Possible penalties for non-compliance with IDEA can include loss of federal funding.