The NP's Role in School-Based Support for Students with Disabilities

NPs play a key role in supporting disabled and neurodivergent students across educational settings and transitions. Through a series of vignettes, this article highlights how NPs can advocate for early identification, refer for evaluation, and collaborate with schools to ensure accommodations for chronic illness. By engaging in transition planning from primary school through postsecondary education, working alongside educators, counselors, and rehabilitation specialists, NPs help bridge health care and education. Emphasizing legal frameworks, mental health, and self-advocacy, this work calls for expanded NP involvement beyond clinical care to promote equity, inclusion, and success for students with disabilities in academic environments.