The list below reflects a sampling of relevant District-sponsored programs, activities, and resources for students, staff and families seeking further information regarding disability services, supports and accommodations.
Special Education
Lower Merion School District provides an extensive range of educational services and supports for students with special needs within our schools. These services include: Learning Support, Emotional Support, Autistic Support, and Life Skills Support. Speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, hearing support, vision therapy and transition services also are provided to eligible students requiring these services due to an educational need. A broad array of supplementary aids and services to support students' educational needs includes communication devices, audio versions of books, assistive technology, a braille production center and pre-vocational opportunities. The continuum of programs and services for children with disabilities varies in accordance with the changing needs of our community. Learn more about Special Education in LMSD.
Web Accessibility
Lower Merion School District is committed to creating an environment where all are welcome. We strive to make our facilities and technology accessible to all students, families, staff and visitors. AudioEye provides a comprehensive set of tools that allow people who use assistive devices to navigate our site. AudioEye also allows users to report any accessibility issues that may arise during their use of the site. Learn more about the AudioEye toolbar and web accessibility here.
Committee for Special Education (CSE)
The CSE is a recognized School-Related Organization under District Policy 915 and is a long-standing parent/guardian group that functions in collaboration with the District. The CSE presents monthly, informative programs to parents about special education, gifted education and students requiring 504 Service Agreements. Speakers for these programs include staff from the District, the Intermediate Unit, PaTTAN, local universities, parent advocacy groups and other invited speakers. The CSE has donated books on disabilities to District schools, developed a Listserv with more than 400 members and created a parent education video and brochure. It publishes a highly informative monthly newsletter, maintains a website, and provides resources for parents/guardians.
Best Buddies
This student organization exists at each of our secondary schools (Bala Cynwyd, Welsh Valley, Lower Merion and Harriton). They are aligned with Best Buddies International, which is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). At the school level, students involved in Best Buddies participate in a variety of activities that support inclusion and foster belonging for all students though friendship.
The goal of Lower Merion School District is to be a model of inclusive practices and, beyond that, to foster a deep sense of belonging for each and every student regardless of their disability. The term “disability” is defined, under law, as encompassing individuals who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, have a record of such an impairment, or are regarded as having such an impairment. The District is committed to ensuring that all students with disabilities have access to District programs and activities – and are free from harassment and discrimination – in accordance with federal and state law, including, but not limited to, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEIA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.