Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Special Education Practice Exam

Which term is used in an IEP to define a combination of disabilities causing severe educational needs?

1. Multiple Disabilities

2. Learning Disabilities

3. Behavioral Disabilities

4. Sensory Disabilities

The correct answer is: Multiple Disabilities

The term "multiple disabilities" is specifically used in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to refer to a combination of disabilities that result in severe educational needs. This category is important because it emphasizes the complexity of the challenges faced by students who experience more than one disability, which can significantly impact their ability to learn and function in a typical educational environment. In the context of special education, "multiple disabilities" acknowledges that these students may require tailored support and services that address the unique interactions between various disabilities. This term encompasses a broad range of conditions, recognizing that the educational implications are not simply the sum of the individual disabilities but rather a more complicated and compounded challenge that necessitates an individualized approach to education and support. Other terms, such as learning disabilities, behavioral disabilities, and sensory disabilities, each refer to specific types of challenges and do not encapsulate the concept of multiple, co-occurring disabilities. Therefore, "multiple disabilities" accurately captures the essence of a combination of disabilities leading to severe educational needs, making it the appropriate choice in this scenario.