The Lorain City School District serves students with special needs from age 3 to age 21 as required by federal law. Lorain City Schools offers specialized services under IDEA and state laws for students with disabilities in the areas of Specific Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disability, Hearing Impairments, Visual Impairments, Speech and Language Disorders, Multiple Disabilities, Emotional Disturbances, and Other Health Impairments. Students eligible for services participate in the least restrictive environment possible, and are included in the regular classroom with their typical peers as determined by their Individualized Education Program designed to meet their unique educational needs.
An Individual Educational Plan is developed for each special needs student. Parents meet with appropriate Lorain City Schools’ staff to determine annual educational goals and an educational plan, including necessary accommodations and services. Services can include speech and language services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, behavior modification, special instruction through intervention specialists and other specialized services designed to ensure that each child's educational needs are met.