Tools and Considerations for School-Based Universal Disability Screenings

This document provides an overview of relevant tools and considerations for those wishing to introduce school-based universal disability screenings in their schools. Disabilities occur when a person with limitations in basic activity functioning encounters physical, attitudinal, or institutional barriers that exclude them from full participation (Data and Evidence for Education Programs [DEEP], 2020a). In schools, functional limitations that are not understood or properly addressed may place children at risk of experiencing limited participation in learning and development, which can negatively affect the student’s future (Humanity & Inclusion [HI], 2022). Early identification of children who may have a disability is an essential step to ensure that children receive the accommodations and support they need to persist and thrive in school. An important first step in the screening and referral process is selecting the appropriate tools that can reliably flag children who may have disabilities and require an assessment by a medical, psychological, or educational specialist or someone who has received extensive training.