Skip To Main Content

Programs for Eligible or Protected Handicapped Students

  In compliance with state and federal law, notice is hereby given

by the Upper Merion Area School District that it conducts ongoing identification activities as part of its school program for the purpose of identifying students who may be in need of special education and related services.  If your child is identified by the district as possibly needing such services, you will be notified of applicable procedures. 

Individualized services and programs are available for children who are determined to need specially designed instruction due to the following conditions:

  1. Autism/pervasive development disorder
  2. Visual impairment (including blindness)
  3. Hearing impairment (including deafness)
  4. Developmental delay
  5. Mentally gifted
  6. Intellectual disability
  7. Multi disabilities
  8. Traumatic brain injury
  9. Other health impairment
  10. Orthopedic impairment
  11. Serious emotional disturbance
  12. Specific learning disability
  13. Speech and language impairment 

Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act,  some school age children with disabilities who do not meet the eligibility criteria under the IDEIA might nevertheless be eligible for special protections and for adaptations and accommodations in instruction, facilities, and activities.  Children are entitled to such protections, adaptations, and accommodations if they have a mental or physical disability that substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program.

 If you believe that your school-age child may be in need of special education services and related programs screening and evaluation processes designed to assess the needs of the child and his/her eligibility are available to you at no cost, upon written request.  You may request screening and evaluation at any time, whether or not your child is enrolled in the district’s public program.  Requests for evaluation and screening are to be made in writing to the appropriate building principal or the Director of Student Services, Upper Merion Area School District, 435 Crossfield Road, King of Prussia, PA. 19406.

In compliance with state and federal law the Upper Merion Area School District will provide to each protected handicapped student, without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extra-curricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities.  In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student, the child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program.  These services and protections for “protected handicapped students” are distinct from those applicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs.  For further information on the rights of parents and children, provisions of services, evaluation and screening (including purpose, time, and location), you may contact in writing the Director of Student Services or any building principal.