While perceptions of learning disabilities (LD) may vary by country, culture, and teachers, it is often necessary to diagnose students to receive funding for services . It can be helpful to recognize learning difficulties students may have to provide additional assistance when needed. It would also be beneficial if widespread recognition of LD could eliminate the stigma that is often present. However, because LD is a multifaceted topic, labeling often has a negative connotation and can lead to ostracism of students. It is beneficial to a student if classifying a student with LD results in an improved educational experience. According to New York State Part 200 regulations, a learning disability is "a disturbance in one or more basic psychological processes involved in understanding or using language, spoken or written, manifested in imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations […]” (“Section 200.1 definitions,” 2011). This definition is part of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004, known as IDEA ( A. Turnbull, R. Turnbull, & Wehmeyer, 2010) and is endorsed by the State of New York to receive federal funding; provides an overview of what is officially recognized as a learning disability may be evident when one student has difficulty with receiving or expressing language, as well as difficulty with mathematics. There are two methods used by IDEA currently practiced to determine whether a student has an LD. Following the discrepancy model, schools can administer tests to determine a student's intellectual abilities and compare them to demonstrate...... middle of paper ......to fund such services, however, schools must comply with regulations specifications established by the government. This process can take the focus off the student benefit and onto the outcomes that schools can produce. If it allows the student to benefit from needed assistance and improves the learning experience, then the student is the primary beneficiary of the classification. Works Cited Grumpel, T. P., & Sharoni, V. (2007). Current best practices in learning disabilities in Israel. Learning Disabilities Research & Practice, 22(3), 202-209. Definitions of Section 200.1: Special Education. (2011, September 7). Retrieved from http://www.p12nysed.gov/specialed/lawsregs/sect2001.htmTurnbull, A., Turnbull, R., & Wehmeyer, M. L. (2010). Exceptional lives: Special Education in today's schools. (Sixth ed.). Upper Saddle River: Merrill.