How should SARBs deal with special needs pupils referred to SARB?
Students eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Acto of 1973 (Section 504) may be subject to the SARB process when they do not comply with compulsory education laws. Compulsory attendance is required even if parents contest the school’s offer of placement and services. A basic theme in the IDEA and Section 504 is that to the extent possible students with disabilities should have the same educational opportunities as their non-disabled peers. With appropriate acommodation, most disabilities should not prevent a child from attending school on a regualr basis. There are some disabilities, which may fall under the other health impaired eligibility category, which may require a shortened school day. It is also possible that a school phobia, emotional disturbance, or low incidence disability may make attendance at a regualr, comprehensive setting inappropriate. In addressing special needs students, SARB staff sh
