Exceptionalities
Exceptionalities are categories of special needs that can affect how a student learns. Students are identified so they can be supported in meeting their full potential. Exceptionalities can include giftedness, disability, and other needs.
Students with exceptionalities have unique learning needs, and school boards are required to support these needs. Support can be provided through accommodations and/or modifications, to support student learning.
The 5 exceptionalities as outlined in the Ontario Education Act are:
Behaviour
Refers to challenges over a period of time, and to such a degree, that it impacts a student’s learning.
For example: compulsive reactions, excessive fears, anxiety, difficulties with social interactions.
Communication
Refers to challenges that impact a student receiving or relaying information.
For example: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, Language or Speech Impairment, Learning Disabilities (such as AD/HD, reading, writing, numbers, processing, fine motor skills).
Physical
Refers to a condition that affects the body, where help is needed to support the student’s educational achievement.
For example: a physical disability, Blind and Low Vision.
Intellectual
Refers to differences in general mental or cognitive abilities – higher or lower – that may affect:
- intellectual functioning, such as learning, problem solving, judgment, or
- adaptive functioning (activities in daily life), such as communication, or independent living.
For example: Giftedness, Mild Intellectual Disability, Developmental Disability.
Multiple
Refers to when a student’s needs are in two or more categories of exceptionality.
For example: a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder, who is also gifted, would be identified as living with multiple exceptionalities.