Glossary Term
Least restrictive environment
Seeking the least restrictive environment refers to educating children and adolescents with disabilities, including those in public or private institutions or other education facilities, alongside their peers without disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate. Special classes, separate schooling, or other removal of learners with disabilities from the regular educational environment should occur only when the nature or severity of a child’s disability is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.