What is Special Education?

Special Education is specialized instruction provided for children from birth to age 22 who qualify according to the laws and regulations outlined by the state and federal government. A student may qualify for special education services as an individual with special needs in one of thirteen areas identified by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004). These are:

• Deaf/Hard of Hearing
• Deaf-Blind
• Visually Impaired
• Speech-Language Impaired
• Specific Learning Disability
• Multiple Disabilities
• Orthopedic Impairment 
• Other Health Impairment
• Intellectual Disability
• Established Medical Disability (ages 3-5)
• Emotionally Disturbed
• Autism
• Traumatic Brain Injury

Referral & Identification

A referral may be initiated by a parent/guardian, teacher, physician, the student, school administrator or community agency. Contact your local school for information regarding a referral for assessment if you suspect your student has a disability.