Multiple Disabilities

Multiple disabilities is a term for a person with several disabilities, such as a sensory disability associated with a motor disability. Additionally, in the United States, it is a special education classification under which students are eligible for services through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA.

Depending on the definition, an intellectual disability may be included in the term “multiple disabilities”. Individuals usually have more than one significant disability, such as orthopedic impairment, sensory impairment, and/or a behavior or emotional issues. Under the IDEA, students are labeled with multiple disabilities when their educational disabilities require more than the services that are available for just one of their disabilities. For instance, if a student has a developmental disability, emotional disabilities, and a visual impairment, they may be classified as having multiple disabilities. However, not every student who has more than one disability receives this classification.