Cerebral Palsy Special Education Assistance

Fact Checked

Many children with cerebral palsy need special education assistance. Special education laws ensure all children with disabilities are provided with individualized education plans (IEPs) and the accommodations needed to learn in a supportive environment.

What Is Special Education?

Special education is a broad term defined by various services provided to children with disabilities who need additional assistance while achieving their educational goals.

Some of the most common special educational services provided to special needs children include:

• Individualized education services (special learning disability assistance)
• Accommodations at schools, such as wheelchair ramps
• In-school services such as counseling and therapy resources
• Emotional counseling and resources (related service)
• Assistive technology (similar service)

Does My Child with Cerebral Palsy Qualify for Special Education?

Any child who has a qualifying disability is eligible for special education assistance. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides State Formula and discretionary grants.[1][2]

The grants are typically limited to students with:

• Health impairments
• Hearing impairments
• Emotional difficulties
• Physical disabilities
• Brain injuries
• Speech impairment
• Language impairment
• Orthopedic injuries (which covers children with cerebral palsy)
• Cognitive impairment

When Can Children With Cerebral Palsy Start Special Education Services?

The government provides special education services to children with disabilities, beginning at the age of onset and ending at age 22. Each child must have specialized and individualized education to help them thrive and learn.

Individualized Family Service Plan

An Individualized Family Service Plan (FSP) can be created for a child from birth to three years old. Generally, an FSP is developed by parents and service providers working together.[3]

Individualized Education Plan

Once a child turns three, special education teachers, counselors, and disability specialists, in conjunction with parents, create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).[4]

It is a collaborative and ongoing process. Once an IEP is complete, it should have an in-depth, specialized education plan for the child.

Most IEPs should include (if needed) physical therapy, counseling, special education assistance, assistive technology, transportation services, and more.

504 Plans

Another option for receiving accommodations in school is a 504 plan. 504 comes from the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which aimed to stop discrimination against people with disabilities.

Some children who do not qualify for an IEP do qualify for 504. A 504 provides changes to the learning environment to allow a student to learn alongside peers. Requirements to qualify for a 504 are less strict than those for an IEP.

Once the child reaches adulthood, a Transition Into Adulthood is created, covering educational assistance until age 22 while focusing on vocational training. This transition planning should begin around the age of 14.

What Types of Services Are Provided in Special Education?

Special education services are designed to meet the individual needs of each student. This is why families and service providers create IEPs. An IEP outlines exactly what your child needs for equity in education.

Some examples of services and accommodations your child might receive in special education include: 

• Alternative assignments or extra time for assignments and assessments
• Assistive technologies and devices
• Behavioral interventions or counseling
• Hearing services
• Home tutoring
• Paraprofessionals in the classroom
• Physical aids for mobility in the school

Nutrition Assistance in School

Children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities may be eligible for free nutritional services at school. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), children with disabilities from low-income families are allowed school nutritional services at no cost.

IDEA mandates that the following services be provided to children with disabilities:

• Free nutritional consultation for each child
• Specialized food and supplements
• Feeding equipment (if needed)
• Feeding assistance from special education specialists and teachers
• Nutritional services at school for qualified special needs students include complimentary breakfast, free lunch, a summer food program, a milk program, and free snacks.

Eligibility for the nutritional services program includes a family income under the poverty level for your state. Ask for the application at your child’s school’s office.