Individuals with severe disabilities are unable to independently care for themselves, without significant, ongoing, support from a caregiver. In order to maintain their health and safety, they may be completely dependent on others for all daily living activities.

These individuals with exceptional needs require intensive instruction and training in programs serving students with disabilities including: autism, blindness, deafness, severe orthopedic impairments, severe intellectual disability, and adaptive functioning.

The Severe Disabilities program is a service provided to all 12 of LBL ESD's component districts, based on identifying students who meet the indicators for having a severe disability.

Consultation support is provided in three ways:

1. Districts receive financial support based on the number of students in their district that meet the indicators.

2. Teachers have access to a Lending Library of standards-based curriculum and hands-on activities to trial in their classrooms.

3. Severe Disability Consultants may provide staff development based on the needs of each district.

To qualify as a student with a severe disability, the student must have significant delays in the areas of adaptive skills, cognitive skills, and communication skills.

• Scores should be from recent (within 6 years) school-age evaluations

• If a score is unable to be obtained, other factors may be considered:

  • Is the student medically fragile?

  • Does the student have a: 

    • Permanent disability?

    • Neurological impairment?

    • Orthopedic impairment?

The SD Consultants use the Indicator Guidance flowchart (at left) to help guide decisions. As each student is unique, they will be considered on an individual basis. Contact your district's SD Consultant with questions or concerns.