Which disabilities qualify for special education?

Published: Mar. 14, 2022Updated: Dec. 12, 2022

A child is eligible for an IEP if they meet the criteria for one of 13 eligibility categories and if they cannot make adequate progress in school without special education services.

Autism
Deafness
Deaf-Blindness
Emotional Disturbance
Hearing Impairment
Intellectual Disability
Multiple Disabilities
Other Health Impairment
Orthopedic Impairment
Specific Learning Disability
Speech or Language Impairment
Traumatic Brain Injury
Visual Impairment including Blindness

The 13 categories are explained in detail by Dr. Caitlin Solone, education advocate, teacher educator, and faculty at UCLA, in our article Qualifying Diagnoses for an IEP.

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