There are many different types of disabilities. Some affect movement (mobility) or physical functioning. Others can affect how a person learns, processes, or remembers information.
Assistive technology can help students with different disabilities based on their unique needs. AT for mobility can help a student navigate their classroom and school. AT for communication may involve a speech-generating device (SGD). AT for academics may involve tools for reading and writing.
Keep in mind that every child is different. An AT tool that works well for one student with a certain disability may not work as well for another. The job of a student’s Planning and Placement Team (PPT) is to find the best fit for that particular child.
Featured here are 13 disability types defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and recognized by the state of Connecticut.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism is a developmental disability that affects verbal and non-verbal communication, learning, and social interaction.
Deafness-Blindness (DB)
Neurological and cognitive disabilities affect the way the brain processes and understands information.
Developmental Delay (DD)
Developmental Delay (DD) occurs when a child is slower to reach developmental skills or milestones than their peers.
Emotional Disturbance (ED)
Emotional Disturbance (ED) refers to certain behaviors or symptoms that are long-lasting and severe enough to negatively impact a child’s educational performance.
Hearing Impairment (HI)
Hearing Impairment (HI) is a disability that causes difficulty processing speech or sounds.
Intellectual Disability (ID)
Intellectual Disability (ID) affects intellectual (mental) functioning and adaptive behavior, including practical and social skills.
Multiple Disabilities (MD)
Multiple Disabilities (MD) refers to several impairments existing at the same time.
Orthopedic Impairment (OI)
Orthopedic Impairment (OI) refers to a disability that affects movement or mobility.
Other Health Impairment (OHI)
Other Health Impairment (OHI) encompasses a variety of health conditions—including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD—that affect a child’s alertness in the educational environment.
Specific Learning Disability (SLD)
Specific Learning Disability (SLD) affects the processes involved in understanding or using spoken or written language.
Speech or Language Impairment
Speech or language impairments, such as stuttering and muteness, impact spoken communication.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can impact physical functioning, as well as cognitive abilities and behaviors.
Visual Impairment
Visual impairments (also known as visual disabilities) can range from mild vision loss in one or both eyes to a complete loss of vision.
