Children with disability

Intellectual disability is a deviation in cognitive development and adaptive skills. The symptoms of intellectual disability can include delayed motor or language development and difficulties in social interaction. Intellectual disability is divided into four levels: mild, moderate, severe and profound.

Autism is congenital and varies greatly in its manifestation, which is why it is often referred to as the autism spectrum. It is a complex developmental condition involving persistent challenges with an individual's perception of themselves, their environment, and their ability to interact with others, as well as their ability to form relationships.

Physical disability is a physical impairment that can manifest in various ways, such as delayed motor development or congenital defects that cause reduced mobility, delayed, or different motor development. It can be diagnosed at birth but can also appear later.

The Centre for Mental Health of Children (GMB) provides services for children who have received second level diagnosis. GMB provides mental health services nationwide for families with children from pregnancy to 18 years of age. The Centre provides diagnosis, counselling and therapy for mental and developmental disorders of children and adolescents, as well as supporting parent-child bonding from ages 0-5.

The GMB's multidisciplinary group works according to a systematic structure with professional quality as its guiding principle. The focus is on good communications and family-centered services. The GMB regularly collaborates with service providers across the country and offers vocational training for university students in the field.

The Centre also runs educational courses for children and their families as well as for professionals.

Click here to see a list of courses and education.

Consulting and Diagnostic center (RGR) is an institution that provides third-level services. Children who receive services at RGR generally have complex and/or high care needs. The institution operates on a foundation of the laws governing the RGR.

The activities are organized on the basis of comprehensive service and family-centered approach. Parents are encouraged to actively participate in the process and to be involved in decisions regarding services for the child and the family. The most common reasons for referral for assessment, following an initial assessment, are suspected autism and related disorders, intellectual disability, and physical disabilities.

Click here to watch a video from RGR about early intervention in working with children.

The Centre also holds educational courses for children and their families as well as for professionals. Click here for a list of educational and training courses offered by the center.

Children who need assistance due to disability, emotional and/or social difficulties are entitled to support in the preschool under the supervision of specialists. This is further defined in the National Curriculum Guide for Preschools and the Act on Preschools.

Early intervention in preschools is a concept to support children with developmental abnormalities in their early years, typically up to six years of age. It involves early diagnosis and individualized services aimed at enhancing the child's development and promoting active participation in play and learning. The services can include support from a developmental therapist, speech therapist, psychologist, or other specialists, as well as supporting parents and preschool teachers in effectively meeting the child's needs. The goal is to provide the child and their family with better foundations for education and quality of life in the future.

Click here to see a video from the Consulting and analysis center on early intervention in work with children.

A formal diagnosis is not necessary to obtain services based on early intervention.

Children with confirmed diagnoses can be entitled to support within the preschool. The need for support is assessed during the diagnostic process.

All municipalities provide services for children with disabilities, and some municipalities have preschools that are specifically tailored to their needs.

In the capital area there are three preschools specializing in working with children with disabilities; Múlaborg, Sólborg and Suðurborg.

In addition, the Sólborg preschool provides special services for children who are deaf or have hearing impairment.

These preschools also play an important role in advising other schools and have developed ways to jointly educate disabled and non-disabled children so that the needs of all are met.

You can read more about the role and responsibilities of municipalities in the regulation on specialist services for municipalities in preschools and primary schools and student protection councils in primary schools by clicking here.

Primary education is a legal right of all children in Iceland, children with disabilities have the same rights as others. Children with diagnosed disabilities have the right to support services within their primary school in their municipality.

Special schools are operated in the capital area for children with multiple or significant support needs. They are (updated March 2025):

• Klettaskóli , a school for children with disabilities in the capital area and neighboring municipalities, but it is run by the City of Reykjavík and provides advice to other schools in the country. The school operates an after-school program that is available to students after the usual school day is done. Klettaskóli also has a participation class in Árbæjarskóli. The admission requirement in Klettaskóli is a intellectual disability with or without additional disabilities.

• Arnarskóli is an independent school and after-school program for children on the autism spectrum , children with intellectual disabilities and related disabilities and is located in Kópavogur. Applied behavioral analysis is used in the education and teaching of the children. Arnarskóli is a comprehensive primary school, i.e. the service is provided every working day of the year. The school, after-school, and the summer programs all take place in the same location with the same staff.

• Brúarskóli is a special school in Reykjavík for children who are dealing with severe mental, behavioral or social problems. The school also welcomes students who are struggling with substance abuse and/or delinquency. The purpose of the operation is to provide a temporary solution for students with the ultimate goal of making them capable of attending regular primary schools. Both the parents and the child's school need to submit an application for admission to Brúarskóli.

Some schools operate specialized departments for autistic children or children with intellectual disabilities. To apply for your child, you must fill out a form on the website of the respective school. If the child is starting school, it is recommended to apply at the beginning of the year the child is to start. Applications should be accompanied by diagnostic documents along with reports from preschool or primary school, which are generally made when children transition between school levels or schools.

Specialized departments in primary schools (updated March 2025):

• Reykjavík: Fellaskóli, Foldaskóli, Hamraskóli, Hvassaleitisskóli, Langholtsskóli, Réttarholtsskóli, Vogaskóli and a department of sign language is in Hlíðaskóli.

• Deparments in Kópavogur: Álfhólsskóli, Snælandsskóli, Salaskóli and Kópavogsskóli.

• Departments in Hafnarfjörður: Setbergsskóli, Öldutúnsskóli, Lækjarskóli and the multi-disciplinary department in Hraunvallaskóli.

• Departments in Akureyri: Síðuskóli and Giljaskóli.

• Reykjanesbær: Njarðvíkurskóli, Holtaskóli and Akurskóli.

• Selfoss: Sunnulækjarskóli.

Services outside special departments/special schools

If your child does not get a place in a specialized department or special school or is not eligible for it, many primary schools have learning centers or special provisions within the school where disabled students can receive support for their education. Support for students should be provided by the class teacher, special education teacher, developmental therapist, or other staff within the school. Disabled children have the right to an individualized education plan and modifications to learning conditions and/or teaching methods if applicable. Schools provide parents with information and advice about the available resources.

There are no specialized secondary schools in Iceland but many schools offer specialized education and vocational training. The group of students who attend specialized education and vocational training in secondary schools is diverse and the goal of the education is to prepare students for life, participation in the workforce, or for further studies.

Special education and career training is for students who have a recognized diagnosis and have been in learning centers or specialized departments/special schools, or attended school with adapted curriculum in primary school. For second level diagnosis (ADHD, learning difficulties), many can seek guidance from the school counselor in the respective school and get information about the assistance available in that school.

The following schools offer special education programmes for young people with disabilities (updated March 2025):

• Capital area:

  • Borgarholtsskóli

  • Fjölbrautaskólinn í Breiðholti

  • Fjölbrautaskólinn í Garðabæ

  • Fjölbrautaskólinn í Ármúla

  • Flensborgarskólinn

  • Framhaldsskólinn í Mosfellsbæ

  • Kvennaskólinn í Reykjavík

  • Menntaskólinn í Kópavogi

  • Menntaskólinn í Reykjavík

  • Menntaskólinn við Sund

  • Tækniskólinn

• East Iceland:

  • Verkmenntaskóli Austurlands

• North Iceland :

  • Fjölbrautaskóli Norðurlands Vestra

  • Framhaldsskólinn á Húsavík

  • Menntaskólinn á Tröllaskaga

  • Verkmenntaskólinn á Akureyri

• South Iceland:

  • Fjölbrautaskóli Suðurlands

  • Framhaldsskólinn í Vestmannaeyjum

• West Iceland:

  • Fjölbrautaskóli Snæfellinga

  • Fjölbrautaskóli Vesturlands

  • Menntaskólinn á Ísafirði

  • Menntaskóli Borgarfjarðar

• Reykjanes:

  • Fjölbrautaskóli Suðurnesja

Parental payments are provided to parents of chronically ill or severely disabled children who cannot participate in the labor market or pursue education due to their child's illness or disability. These payments are intended to support parents who need to stop working or studying to care for their children. The right to parental payments is shared between both parents.

Applications for parental payments can be submitted on the Social Insurance Administration's website.

The payments are divided into three types:

• Wage-related payments

• Payments for parents who are enrolled in school

• Basic payments

Care allowances can be received alongside parental allowances. However, there are certain allowances that cannot be used alongside parental allowances, such as unemployment benefits or payments during maternity leave for the same child.

Click here to read more about parental payments.

Parental payments are granted under law on payments to parents of chronically ill or severely disabled children.

Parents of disabled children may be entitled to care payments from the Social Insurance Administration. You can apply for care payments as soon as the child receives a primary diagnosis. The payments can then increase when the child receives a final diagnosis. For further information, please visit the Social Insurance Administration's website.

Counsellors from the Centre for Counselling and Diagnosis or social workers in the parents' municipality often provide assistance in applying for the payments. The application process is carried out electronically through "My pages" (Mínar síður) on the Social Insurance Administration's website.

Care payments are exempt from tax - click here to read more.

Care payments can be obtained alongside parental leave funds and parental payments.

Application processing and processing times

Applications for care payments are usually processed within six weeks of receiving all necessary documents. The following documents must be submitted with the application:

• Application form.

• Medical certificate.

• Information on the treatment of the child.

• Copy of receipts confirming expenses incurred.

• Reports from specialists (e.g. social workers, doctors, psychologists or school employees).

• Proposed care assessment from the social services of the municipality in the case of a child with disabilities (TR obtains this information if necessary).

Who qualifies for care payments?

Care payments are a financial assistance for parents of disabled or chronically ill children. They are intended to support parents whose children require extensive care and when healthcare costs become significant. Care payments cover expenses such as the purchase of medications, assistive devices, payment for medical, occupational, or speech therapy, psychological services, or other services that are not fully subsidized. These payments apply to children from birth to 18 years of age.

The result of an application may entitle you to:

Care card

The purpose of a care card is to provide discounts on healthcare services, i.e. fees for visits to doctors and specialists and/or for children's training. With the card, parents do not need a referral from a family doctor to receive a subsidy for services. A care card is always included if a care assessment is made by social services. Children who are not entitled to parental payments can still receive a care card.

Municipalities and various companies provide discounts on goods and services upon presentation of the card. It is therefore always a good idea to have the card with you and ask whether a company provides discounts on services. Many swimming pools allow a child and one accompanying person to enter for free, as does the Pet and Family Park in Reykjavík. Many museums also offer discounts on admission.

Cancellation of vehicle fees

Parents who receive care payments due to a child's disability are entitled to cancellation of vehicle fees. According to information from the tax office in March 2025, form RSK 15.23 must be completed and sent to the email address trukkur@skatturinn.is or brought in completed at the next Tax office. 

Further information can be found on the Tax Office website, under "Exemptions from vehicle fee payment" and "Assessment, collection and refunds".

Grants from the Icelandic Health Insurance for devices for children with disabilities are exempt from tax.

Motor and assistive devices

Examples of mobility and assistive devices are wheelchairs, walking aids, bikes, chairs, strollers, stands, hospital beds and aids for bathing and in the bathroom. Icelandic Health Insurance participates in costs if a child receives an approved subsidies for assistive devices. An application for such subsidies must be submitted from the Counseling and Analysis Centre or the child's doctor.

Communication devices

A voice-over device can be subsidised for those children who do not use speech for expression. Applications can be made for computers, eye controls, speech synthesizers or specially equipped switches. The child's doctor must apply for the aid.

Boardmaker

You can receive a 100% grant (subsidy) on the Boardmaker software. The Boardmaker software is designed to create a visual structure. In most cases, the Advisory and Analysis Centre or social worker in the local authority assists you with applying for a Boardmaker.

Diaper grant

Parents of children with disabilities are entitled to a diaper grant after a child reaches the age of three. The grant must be applied for by the Icelandic Health Insurance with a medical certificate. The counselling and diagnostic centre or social workers in the local community often help to apply for a diaper grant. You can buy the diapers at Stórkaup or Rekstrarvörur and receive them sent home once a month.

P-card

People with reduced mobility are entitled to a parking card called a P-card. It is a certificate that is placed in a car window and gives people permission to park in a parking space for people with disabilities. Such parking spaces are at places where people seek services but can also be obtained at homes. A doctor applies for a P-card for a child. Click here to read more about P-cards.

Children with disabilities who need speech therapy are entitled to such therapy from their municipality for minor deviations or speech disorders. In cases of a major deviation or disorders, an application for cost participation must be made to the Icelandic Health Insurance for speech therapy. Parents or guardians pay part of the cost of this service in accordance with the Health Insurance Act.

Speech training is covered by the healthcare cost cap, which limits the expenses incurred for the service. If the request of the general practitioner is accepted by the Health Insurance, 15 sessions of speech therapy are provided every 12-month period.

The speech therapist must apply separately to the Health Insurance for authorization for treatments beyond 15 sessions, if necessary.

The purpose of occupational therapy is diverse and can include helping the child increase their ability to be independent in daily activities such as dressing, maintaining hygiene, and eating.

The therapy is tailored to the needs of each individual and is conducted in close collaboration with the child and their family. The main goal is to strengthen the child's skills and improve their ability to participate in play and other daily tasks that are important to them.

A referral from a doctor is required to receive services from an occupational therapist. The application process can vary depending on where the service is applied for, whether it is an independent occupational therapist or a clinic where they work. Assistance from a pediatrician can be obtained to get information about which occupational therapists specialize in working with children with disabilty and where they practice.

The physiotherapist works with the child to improve, maintain and utilize their physical abilities so that they can participate in games and daily tasks that are important to them.

Physiotherapist assess the child's need for therapy and provide information to caregivers about the services available. The goal of the therapy is to help the child achieve the best possible motor skills so they can enjoy play and daily life.

Anyone can contact a physiotherapist directly to get an appointment, but a referral from a doctor is required for reimbursement. According to the current regulations in March 2025, the child (0-17 years old) is entitled to 15 free sessions with a physiotherapist each year (365-day period) with a referral or care card.

Guardians of children with disability can apply for transportation services, such as for school transport, leisure activities, medical visits, physiotherapy, or to promote social activity and break isolation. Children under six years old must always be accompanied by an adult during transport.

When assessing an application for transportation services, the child's conditions and circumstances are considered, including whether they have access to other transportation options. The service can also be provided for part of the year if it suits the child's needs.

For guardians of children living outside Reykjavík, contact the service center of the child's municipality and submit a written application.

For guardians of children in Reykjavík, it is possible to apply electronically through "My pages" (Mínar síður) on the City of Reykjavík website. More information can be found at the following link: Transportation service for disabled children.

Children and young adults with developmental and mental disorders are entitled to use short-term stay services. They can stay temporarily, from a few hours during the day to up 15 days per month. The goal of short-term stay is to offer children the opportunity to stay outside the home for a while and provide their families with the necessary support.

Short-term stays are available throughout the country and are tailored to the needs of each user group, including age and service needs. The children receive assistance with daily tasks, care, and opportunities to enjoy recreational activities during their stay.

Short-term stays are part of the support services that municipalities offer to children and their families. To apply for such services, it is necessary to book an appointment with a municipal advisor who assesses the need and explains the next steps.

Individual support is personal assistance for children with disability and young adults aged 6 to 18 years. It is possible to apply for an exemption for children under 6 years old.

Individual support for children and young adults is part of the support services for children and their families. The first step in applying for support services is to book a call with an advisor at the municipality's service center.

The goal of individual support is to strengthen individuals' ability to make decisions and manage their own lives, increase community participation, and break social isolation. The support is tailored to the needs of each person and can be provided both inside and outside the home.

With individual support, it is possible to get assistance with:

• Strengthening self-esteem, discovering new things, and developing skills.

• Increasing social skills, friendships, and building self-confidence.

• Participating in leisure activities, increasing activity, and breaking social isolation.

• Achieving goals, increasing the ability to set goals, and tackling challenges.

Support families provide parents of children with disability support in their parenting role, whether inside or outside the home. Their role includes relieving stress on the child and family, giving parents the opportunity to rest, strengthening the children's support network, and increasing their opportunities for social participation.

The child stays at the support family's home, thereby getting the chance to enhance their social connections and activity. The process of obtaining a support family begins with an application to the appropriate municipality, such as the municipality's support services. Following this, an assessment of the child's and family's needs is conducted.

Once the application is approved, a support family is selected, and then the support family and the child's family work together to ensure the child receives the best possible care

The Centre for Mental Health of Children (GMB) provides services for children who have received second level diagnosis. GMB provides mental health services nationwide for families with children from pregnancy to 18 years of age. The Centre provides diagnosis, counselling and therapy for mental and developmental disorders of children and adolescents, as well as supporting parent-child bonding from ages 0-5.

The GMB's multidisciplinary group works according to a systematic structure with professional quality as its guiding principle. The focus is on good communications and family-centered services. The GMB regularly collaborates with service providers across the country and offers vocational training for university students in the field.

The Centre also runs educational courses for children and their families as well as for professionals.

Click here to see a list of courses and education.

Consulting and Diagnostic center (RGR) is an institution that provides third-level services. Children who receive services at RGR generally have complex and/or high care needs. The institution operates on a foundation of the laws governing the RGR.

The activities are organized on the basis of comprehensive service and family-centered approach. Parents are encouraged to actively participate in the process and to be involved in decisions regarding services for the child and the family. The most common reasons for referral for assessment, following an initial assessment, are suspected autism and related disorders, intellectual disability, and physical disabilities.

Click here to watch a video from RGR about early intervention in working with children.

The Centre also holds educational courses for children and their families as well as for professionals. Click here for a list of educational and training courses offered by the center.

Reykjadalur is a summer camp in Mosfellsdalur for children and teenagers with disability. The activities in Reykjadalur are characterized by joy, positive attitude and a spirit of adventure. The emphasis is on making the most amazing adventures happen, with the attitude that nothing is impossible. Every year around 250 children and young adults aged 8-20 stay at Reykjadalur.

The deadline for applications for summer stays in Reykjadalur is in the beginning of the year every year, but for winter stays, an application must be submitted by the autumn. Applications are submitted through SLF's website.

Physical therapy

Æfingastöðin (The SLF's Rehabilitation Center) offers both individual and group therapy for children with disabilities. The service is mainly carried out at the center but also in the child's immediate environment, such as in preschools and in primary schools. Physical training is also available for students in Klettaskóli in collaboration with the center.

When applying for services at Æfingastöðin, a request must have already been submitted by the child's doctor. Click here to read more on the service process on SLF's website.

Occupational therapy

At Æfingastöðin you can receive both individual and group occupational therapy. Occupational therapy takes place both at Æfingastöðin at Háaleitisbraut 13 and at Íþróttahúsið Strandgata in Hafnarfjörður. Click here for an explanation of the application process at Æfingastöðin.

Sjónarhóll is a counseling center for parents of children with support needs in Iceland. The center provides support, education, and counseling to parents and families regardless of the child's diagnosis. Sjónarhóll assists families in finding resources, accessing rights, and enhancing their children's quality of life. The center works closely with other service providers, educational institutions, and healthcare services to ensure that children receive appropriate support and services.

Sjónarhóll also maintains an educational website with information for parents and family members.

The National Agency for Children and Families is a government agency that oversees child protection and welfare services in Iceland It supports child protection committees, provides specialized counseling, and monitors services for children in vulnerable situations. The agency offers tiered services for children with significant support needs and works to ensure quality and consistency in services nationwide.

ÖBÍ Rights Association is a rights association for people with disability in Iceland and stands for rights, equal opportunities and social participation. The association works to influence legislation and policy-making in matters of people with disability and fights for the elimination of discrimination. ÖBÍ also provides education, support and advice to its member organizations, politicians and the public. Through strong advocacy and solidarity, the organization promotes a fair society where everyone has equal opportunities to live an independent and fulfilling life.

The national organization Þroskahjálp is a human rights organization that fights for the rights and improved quality of life of people with disabilities, especially those with intellectual disabilities and related disorders. The organization works to ensure equality, independence, and participation in society by influencing policy, providing education, and raising awareness. Þroskahjálp also offers support to individuals and families and advocates for the interests of disabled people in collaboration with authorities, institutions, and other organizations.

The Autism Society is a nonprofit organization that supports and educates about autism, with the aim of improving the quality of life for autistic individuals and their families. The association works on education, advocacy, and enhancing the social participation of autistic individuals in all areas. Various information about services for autistic children and adults can be found on their website, along with brochures about the autism spectrum in Icelandic, English, and Polish.

Umhyggja – the Association for Chronically Ill Children, supports chronically ill children and their families. The organization advocates for improved services, education, and rights for chronically ill children, as well as providing assistance and grants to families in challenging situations.

The Downs Society works to improve the quality of life of people with Downs syndrome and their families. The association promotes education, support, and increased opportunities for people with Down syndrome to participate in society on their own terms.

Geðhjálp is an association that protects the rights of people with mental disorders and works to improve mental health services in Iceland. The organization provides counseling, support, and education, as well as fighting against stigma and discrimination in society.

In Iceland, new laws on integrated services for the well-being of children have come into force.

The new laws ensure that children and their families do not fall between systems and are not sent at their own risk between service providers within municipalities and government agencies.

Click here to read more.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international recognition that the world's children require special protection beyond that of adults. It affirms that children are independent individuals with full rights independent of those of adults. All those involved in children's affairs must do what is in their power to implement the Convention. This includes governments, parents, schools and all others who work with or for children.

Click here to read more.

The goal of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is to ensure that people with disabilities enjoy the same human rights as others, without discrimination, and to respect their human dignity.

Click here to read more.

The aim of this law is to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the best possible services that can be provided at any time to meet their specific support needs.

Click here to read more.

The aim of this law is to ensure financial assistance to parents of children that are chronically ill or have severe disability when they are unable to work or study due to special care for their children.

Click here to read more.

The aim of this law is to ensure that health insurance holders receive assistance to protect their health and have equal access to health services regardless of their financial situation, as further provided in this law and in accordance with the Health Services Act, the Patients' Rights Act and other laws as applicable.

Click here to read more.