Least Restrictive Environment
(LRE)

Under the IDEA, students with disabilities are legally entitled to be educated in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). The law mandates that:


“to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities, including children in public or private institution or other care facilities, are educated with children who are not disabled, and special classes, separate schooling, or other removal of children with disabilities from the regular educational environment occurs only when the nature or severity of the disability of a child is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.” See, 20 U.S.C. §1412(a)(5)(A).

What is the LRE Mandate?

The LRE requirement ensures that students with disabilities have access to the same educational opportunities and environments as their non-disabled peers whenever possible. Schools must provide necessary supports and services to allow students with disabilities to remain in general education settings FIRST, prior to considering more restrictive placements and environments such as special education classrooms, separate schools, or residential programs.

LRE is based upon the presumption of inclusion, meaning that:

  • Inclusion should be the default, and students should be educated alongside their nondisabled peers unless the disability is so severe that even with supplementary aids and services, general education cannot meet the student’s needs;

  • Schools must first provide necessary accommodations and modifications, prior to placing a child in a more restrictive setting, and not placing children in the most restrictive placement;

  • decisions about placement must be made on an individualized basis and through the IEP process as being appropriate in the implementation of FAPE, and not based upon administrative convenience, or a limitation on resources.

If you believe that your child has been placed in a more restrictive setting without a full exploration of supplementary aids and services, or if you believe your school is failing to provide the necessary inclusive supports, contact us at WNYFACES today through our contact submissions page.