13 IEP Goals for Intellectual Disability (With Examples)

Quick Answer

IEP goals for intellectual disability typically target functional academics, daily living skills, and communication at the student's actual instructional level — for example, using functional math to make correct change up to $1.00, rather than grade-level academic standards the student cannot yet access.

For students with intellectual disability, goals should be functional and tied to independence, not just academic mastery for its own sake. These example goals cover functional academics, daily living, and communication — adjust the specific skill and criteria based on the student's adaptive behavior assessment and present levels.

Functional Academics

  1. 1.By [date], [student] will read and follow a functional recipe with picture supports, completing 4 of 5 steps independently across 4 of 5 trials.
  2. 2.By [date], [student] will identify functional sight words (danger, exit, restroom) with 90% accuracy across 4 of 5 trials.
  3. 3.By [date], [student] will make correct change for a purchase up to $1.00 with 80% accuracy across 4 of 5 trials.

Daily Living Skills

  1. 1.By [date], [student] will independently complete a 3-step tooth-brushing routine with no more than 1 prompt in 4 of 5 opportunities.
  2. 2.By [date], [student] will use a visual schedule to complete 3 sequential daily living tasks with no more than 1 prompt in 4 of 5 trials.
  3. 3.By [date], [student] will independently follow a 3-step picture recipe to prepare a cold snack with no more than 1 prompt in 4 of 5 opportunities.

Communication

  1. 1.By [date], [student] will use a communication device or verbal request to indicate a need in 4 of 5 observed opportunities.
  2. 2.By [date], [student] will answer yes/no questions about basic needs with 85% accuracy across 4 of 5 trials.
  3. 3.By [date], [student] will greet familiar adults and peers appropriately in 4 of 5 observed opportunities across 3 settings.

How Goals Should Evolve Over Time

For students with intellectual disability, goals should shift over time from more supported prompts toward independence — for example, moving from a 4-step visual-supported routine to the same routine with 1 verbal prompt, and eventually full independence. Reviewing progress data every few months, not just annually, helps the team know when to fade support rather than leaving a goal unchanged all year.

Need goals customized to your student?

Paste your assessment data and generate an IDEA-compliant, individualized goal in seconds.

Try it free →

Related Reading

Payment didn't go through, or charged but no access? Email support@iepgoalwriter.pro — we'll sort it out or refund you.