What Impairments are Considered ‘Disabilities’ for Special Education Purposes in Massachusetts?
Are you wondering whether your child has a disability that may qualify him or her for special education services?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) – the federal law that governs special education services – specifies what impairments qualify as disabilities for special education purposes. The IDEA recognizes the following impairments as disabilities:
- Intellectual disabilities,
- Hearing impairments, including deafness,
- Speech or language impairments,
- Visual impairments, including blindness,
- Serious emotional disturbance,
- Orthopedic impairments,
- Autism,
- Traumatic brain injury,
- Other health impairments, or
- Specific learning disabilities.
If your child has an impairment that fits within one of the above ten categories, and there are indications that your child may not be making effective progress in the general education setting due that impairment, your child may be eligible for special education and related services.
See our article: Who Qualifies for Special Education Services? to learn about the referral and evaluation process.
