IDEA Categories

 

IDEA Categories

Infants and Toddlers, birth through age two: Under the IDEA, “infants and toddlers with disabilities“ are defined as children from birth through age two who need early intervention services because they are experiencing developmental delays, as measured by appropriate diagnostic instruments and procedures, in one or more of the following areas: cognitive development physical development, including vision and hearing communication development social or emotional development adaptive development OR, have a diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in developmental delay The term may also include, if a state chooses, children from birth through age two who are at risk of having substantial developmental delays if early intervention services are not provided.” (34 Code of Federal Regulations §303.16) Children and Youth, Age Three Through Twenty-one: The IDEA lists 13 different disability categories under which 3 through 21-year-olds may be eligible for services. For a child to be eligible for services, the disability must affect the child’s educational performance. The disability categories listed in IDEA are: autism deaf-blindness emotional disturbance hearing impairment (including deafness) mental retardation multiple disabilities orthopedic impairment other health impairment specific learning disability speech or language impairment traumatic brain injury visual impairment (including blindness)