(4) “Special education” means specially designed instruction developed in accordance with the regulations of the commissioner, subject to approval by the State Board of Education offered at no cost to parents or guardians, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability, including instruction conducted in the classroom, in the home, in hospitals and institutions, and in other settings and instruction in physical education and special classes, programs or services, including related services, designed to meet the educational needs of exceptional children

The guidelines put out by the Connecticut State Department of Education clarify and highlight the importance of physical education in the context of meaningful physical participation within a community of peers for students with disabilities in a school environment. The guidelines also provide best practices for Adapative PE for Connecticut schools.