Disability Categories and Eligibility Flashcards

Under IDEA, how many disability categories qualify a student for special education services?

Answer: 13 categories

IDEA identifies 13 disability categories: autism, deaf-blindness, deafness, emotional disturbance, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, and visual impairment.

What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan?

Answer: An IEP provides specialized instruction under IDEA; a 504 Plan provides accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

An IEP (Individualized Education Program) is a detailed plan providing specialized instruction and related services under IDEA, while a 504 Plan provides accommodations to ensure equal access under Section 504, without necessarily requiring specialized instruction.

What is Response to Intervention (RTI) and how does it relate to special education identification?

Answer: A multi-tiered approach providing increasing levels of support before considering special education referral

RTI uses three tiers of increasingly intensive instruction and intervention to identify students who may have learning disabilities, documenting their response to evidence-based instruction before formal special education referral.

What role does a multidisciplinary team play in the special education evaluation process?

Answer: Conducting comprehensive assessments across multiple domains to determine eligibility and educational needs

A multidisciplinary team includes professionals from various disciplines (psychologists, special educators, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists) who assess the child across all areas of suspected disability.

What is the concept of 'least restrictive environment' (LRE) in special education?

Answer: Students with disabilities should be educated with non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate

LRE is a core IDEA principle requiring that students with disabilities be educated alongside their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate, with removal from general education only when supplementary aids and services cannot achieve satisfactory education.

At what age must transition planning be included in a student's IEP under IDEA?

Answer: By age 16 (or earlier in some states)

IDEA requires transition planning to begin no later than the first IEP in effect when the student turns 16, though some states require earlier planning. Transition services focus on post-secondary education, employment, and independent living.