For the first time, thousands of students with disabilities will be required to pass the exit exam this school year to qualify for a diploma, NBC11's Jodi Hernandez reported.

Take The Exit Exam Test

Lawyers for the disabled said the state has refused to issue an exemption as they have for the past two years. Both students and school officials said they are afraid many disabled students won't graduate.

"It is embarrassing that the Department of Education and superintendent of schools see no problem with requiring special education students to pass even when all the evidence out there shows they're not given a fair chance to do that," said Roger Heller of the group Disability Rights Advocates.

State superintendent Jack O'Connell insisted holding special education students to a high standard is in their best interest, but special education teacher Michael Fitzgerald said the policy doesn't make sense.

"To actually not get diplomas when they are in special education and we're trying to teach them in special ways; that is a travesty," Fitzgerald said.

Special education student Samuel Kanwea has tried four times to pass the high school exit exam.

Kanwea, a refugee from Africa, has learning disabilities and says taking the test makes him very nervous.

"The test for me is hard," said the high school senior.

Though it will be incredibly challenging, Kanwea said he is determined to pass the test so he can graduate, and help his family in Africa.

"(My goal in school is) to graduate and support my parents," Kanwea said.