It depends. Students experiencing anxiety may need an Individualized Education Program (IEP) if they require specially designed instruction and/or related services to manage their anxiety. Alternatively, if accommodations alone are sufficient to meet the student's needs, a Section 504 Agreement can be put in place.
To qualify for a 504 plan, a student must have a disability that significantly restricts their learning or other major life activity. Anxiety can be considered a disability under this definition, depending on the individual student's circumstances. A school must conduct an evaluation of the student in order to implement a 504 plan, which usually involves an examination of how the student's anxiety affects their daily life and productivity at school.
Anxiety can potentially be considered a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), but it does not automatically qualify a student for special education. If a child's challenges are solely related to anxiety, they may not meet the criteria for special education services and an IEP. Anxiety alone is typically not sufficient for qualification unless it reaches a severity that requires specialized instruction.
Maya Murphy P.C. has proudly been included in the 2024 Edition of Best Law Firms®, ranked among the top firms in the nation. In addition, Managing Partner Joseph C. Maya has been selected to The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 for his work in Employment Law and Education Law in Connecticut. Recognition in Best Lawyers® is awarded to firms and attorneys who demonstrate excellence in the industry and is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor.
Our firm in Westport, Connecticut serves clients with legal assistance all over the state, including the towns of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Bethel, Branford, Bridgeport, Brookfield, Cheshire, Danbury, Darien, Derby, East Haven, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Meriden, Middlebury, Milford, Monroe, Naugatuck, New Canaan, New Fairfield, New Haven, Newton, North Branford, North Haven, Norwalk, Orange, Oxford, Prospect, Redding, Ridgefield, Seymour, Shelton, Sherman, Southbury, Stamford, Stratford, Trumbull, Wallingford, Waterbury, West Haven, Weston, Westport, Wilton, and Woodbridge. In addition to assisting clients in Connecticut, our firm handles education law matters in New York as well.
If you have any questions or would like to speak to an attorney about a legal matter, please contact Joseph C. Maya and the other experienced attorneys at Maya Murphy, P.C. at (203) 221-3100 or JMaya@Mayalaw.com to schedule a free initial consultation today.
