The goal of special education services is to ensure that K-12 students with disabilities receive the same quality of education as children and youth without disabilities, and that they have access to the same learning opportunities at school. They may qualify for services whether they study in a special education or general education classroom.
Students with exceptional learning needs (ELN), may experience a range of disability-related challenges at school, both in the classroom and in other learning environments. Accommodations, technology, adjustments to schedules and teaching methods, and other educational interventions can help meet these needs. Students with disabilities who do not need specialized instruction may still require a range of special education services that support learning.
The Department of Education notes that students with hidden disabilities — defined as "intellectual or physical impairments not readily apparent to others"— are sometimes overlooked as candidates for special education services or accommodation under the law. This often happens when the disability in question is improperly diagnosed or documented. National disability coalition Understood points out that students with learning disabilities often fail to receive timely assessment or services for this reason.