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) Hearing impairment means an impairment in […]
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 hearing, with or without amplification, […]
Visual Impairment/ 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/ Blindness (13) Visual impairment including blindness means an impairment in vision that, even with correction, […]
Speech/ Language Impairment (SLI) This category covers difficulties with speech or language. A common example is stuttering. Other examples are trouble pronouncing words or making sounds with the voice. It also covers language problems that make it hard for kids to understand words or express themselves. Federal Definition of SLI (11) Speech or language impairment […]
Emotional Disturbance Various mental health issues can fall under the “emotional disturbance” category. They may include anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression. (Some of these may also be covered under “other health impairment.”) Federal Definition of ED (i) Emotional disturbance means a condition exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long […]
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) ASD is a developmental disability. It involves a wide range of symptoms, but it mainly affects a child’s social and communication skills. It can also impact behavior. Federal Definition of ASD (i) Autism means a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three, that […]
IDEA Disability Category Specific Learning Disability Specific Learning Disability (SLD) 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 of […]
Other Health Impaiments 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, that results in limited alertness with respect […]
