There are certain disability requirements that must be met in New York for a child to qualify for an individualized education plan (IEP). Parents seeking an IEP for their child should be familiar with what those disability types are that may make their child eligible for an individualized education plan.
Disability classifications for an IEP
There are several different disability classifications that may qualify for an IEP including:
- Autism – if the child has autism, which is considered a developmental disability that affects the child’s social and communication skills, covering a wide range of symptoms, the child may qualify for an IEP.
- Deafness – if the child suffers with a hearing impairment and is unable to hear all or most sounds without the help of a hearing aid, they may qualify for an IEP.
- Deaf-blindness – a child with both severe hearing and vision loss may qualify for an IEP.
- Hearing impairment – a child that exhibits hearing loss not generally covered by the definition of deafness may qualify for an IEP.
- Visual impairment – a child whose eyesight or vision problem impacts their educational performance, and cannot be corrected with eyewear, may qualify for an IEP.
- Emotional disturbance – a child that exhibits certain characteristics over a long period of time to the extent that is adversely impacts their educational performance may qualify for an IEP.
- Speech or language impairment – a child with a communication disorder that makes it difficult for them to express themselves may qualify for an IEP.
- Intellectual disability – a child with a significantly below average intellectual ability may qualify for an IEP.
- Learning disability – a child with learning challenges that makes it difficult for them to read, write, listen, speak, reason or do math may qualify for an IEP.
- Multiple disabilities – a child with multiple disabilities that creates education needs that cannot be met by a program designed for one disability may qualify for an IEP.
- Orthopedic impairment – a child who suffers from an impairment that causes the child to lack function or ability in their body may qualify for an IEP.
- Other health impairment –a child who suffers from some other health impairment that limits the child’s strength, energy or alertness may qualify for an IEP.
- Traumatic brain injury – a child suffering with a traumatic brain injury may qualify for an IEP.
It is important for children that need an IEP to receive one. For that reason, parents seeking an IEP should be familiar with how their child may be able to qualify for one and how education law should help them.