Multiple Disabilities

Multiple disabilities (also known as "multiply-challenged") refers to a student with concomitant impairments, such as mental retardation and blindness, mental retardation and orthopedic impairment, and so on. These combinations may cause educational needs that cannot be accommodated in a special education program solely for one of the impairments. Most students with multiple disabilities are in 12:1:4 classrooms: 12 students, one teacher, and four paraprofessionals (see Curriculum Frameworks for 12:1:4 Students ).

Students with multiple disabilities (not including deaf-blindness) require ongoing, extensive support in more than one major life activity in order to participate in integrated community settings and enjoy the quality of life available to people with fewer or no disabilities. They frequently have additional disabilities, including movement difficulties, sensory losses, and behavior problems. (Adapted from NICHCY Severe and/or Multiple Disabilities Fact Sheet)

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