Evaluation & Eligibility for Special Education

In Virginia, eligibility for special education services is determined through a rigorous evaluation process, as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Virginia Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities. To be eligible, a child must meet several criteria:

  • First, they must have a documented disability that falls within one of the specific categories recognized under IDEA and the Virginia Department of Education, which include conditions such as learning disabilities, speech or language impairments, autism, intellectual disabilities, and more. 

  • Second, the disability must adversely affect the child's educational performance. The evaluation process, typically involving assessments, observations, and input from parents and educators, helps establish eligibility. 

  • Third, the impact must be so significant that there is a need for specially designed instruction.

For a child to be found eligible as a child with a disability, the student must meet the specific criteria adopted by the Virginia Department of Education, and the child’s disability must affect his or her educational performance. Criteria for these disability categories are included in Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia.

There are 14 disability categories in which a student can be found eligible as a student with a disability under IDEA and Virginia Regulations:

  • Intellectual Disability

  • Deaf or Hearing Impaired

  • Deaf-Blindness

  • Speech Language Impairment

  • Visual Impairment

  • Emotional Disability, 

  • Orthopedic Impairment

  • Autism

  • Traumatic Brain Injury

  • Other Health Impairments

  • Specific Learning Disability

  • Deaf-Blind

  • Multiple Disabilities

  • Developmental Delay

Once eligibility is determined, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed, outlining the specific services and accommodations the child needs to receive a free and appropriate public education. Virginia's special education system is designed to ensure that every eligible child with a disability receives the necessary support and accommodations to reach their full potential in the educational setting. (Source: VDOE Supplemental Guidance on Evaluation & Eligibility)

Understanding & Navigating Special Education

Disability Specific Resources

Sensory Disabilities

Speech-Language Impairments

Emotional/Behavioral Concerns

 Orthopedic Impairment

Autism

Traumatic Brain Injury

Other Health Impairments

Specific Learning Disabilities

Intellectual Disabilities

Multiple Disabilities

Executive Functioning

Assistive Technology

Functional Behavior Assessments/Behavior Intervention Plans