To qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a child must have a disability or condition that significantly impacts their ability to learn and grow. The eligibility criteria for an IEP are outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandates special education services for eligible students. The IDEA identifies 13 categories of disabilities that will qualify a child for an IEP. These categories include:
- 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
- Visual Impairment
To determine eligibility for an IEP, information is drawn from a variety of sources, including aptitude and achievement tests, parent input, teacher recommendations, and information about the childs physical condition, social or cultural background, and adaptive behavior. Once evaluations are done, an IEP eligibility meeting is held to explain the evaluations and determine if the child qualifies for an IEP. Its important to note that not all students who fall within these categories may have an IEP, but the IDEA recognizes them as potential candidates for an individualized plan for their education.
