IDEA Disability Category  >  Specific Learning Disability Specific Learning Disability (LSD) The “specific learning disability” (SLD) category covers a specific group of learning challenges. These conditions affect a child’s ability to read, write, listen, speak, reason, or do math. Federal Definition of SLD The term “specific learning disability” means a disorder in 1 or more […]

IDEA Disability Category  >  Multiple Disabilities Multiple Disabilities A child with multiple disabilities has more than one condition covered by IDEA. Having multiple issues creates educational needs that can’t be met in a program designed for any one disability. Learn how to find out if a child is eligible for special education. When kids are […]

IDEA Disability Category  > Traumatic Brain Injury Traumatic Brain Injury Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in the US. TBI can be caused by a bump or jolt to the head or a penetrating injury. TBI are placed into three categories: mild, moderate, and severe. If you suspect your […]

IDEA Disability Category  >  Intellectual Disability Intellectual Disability Kids with this type of disability have below-average intellectual ability. They may also have poor communication, self-care, and social skills. Down syndrome is one example of a condition that involves an intellectual disability. Federal Definition of Intellectual Disability Intellectual disabilities can occur before birth such as Down […]

IDEA Disability Category  > Orthopedic Impairment Orthopedic Impairment Orthopedic impairment is a disability that interferes with a person’s ability to use their body due to a problem with their skeletal system (bones, joints, limbs, and muscles). A medical screening and evaluation is required to diagnose an orthopedic impairment. Orthopedic impairment can be caused by a […]

IDEA Disability Category  > Other Health Impairment Other Health Impairments The “other health impairment” category covers conditions that limit a child’s strength, energy, or alertness. One example is ADHD, which impacts attention and executive function. Federal Definition of OHI Other health impairment means having limited strength, vitality, or alertness, including a heightened alertness to environmental stimuli, […]

IDEA Disability Category  >  Deaf-Blindness Deaf-Blindness Kids with a diagnosis of deaf-blindness have both severe hearing and vision loss. Their communication and other needs are so unique that programs for just the deaf or blind can’t meet them. Federal Definition of Deaf-Blindness (2) Deaf-blindness means concomitant hearing and visual impairments, the combination of which causes […]

IDEA Disability Category  > Hearing Impairment Hearing Impairment The term “hearing impairment” refers to a hearing loss not covered by the definition of deafness. This type of loss can change over time. Being hard of hearing is not the same thing as having trouble with auditory or language processing. Federal Definition of Hearing Impairment (5) […]

IDEA Disability Category  >  Deafness Deafness Kids with a diagnosis of deafness fall under this category. These are kids who can’t hear most or all sounds, even with a hearing aid. Federal Definition of Deafness (3) Deafness means a hearing impairment that is so severe that the child is impaired in processing linguistic information through […]

IDEA Disability Category  > Visual Impairment including Blindness Visual Impairment, including Blindness A child who has eyesight problems is considered to have a visual impairment. This category includes both partial sight and blindness. If eyewear can correct a vision problem, then it doesn’t qualify. Federal Definition of Visual Impairment, including Blindness Vision loss can be […]