Specific Disabilities

After it is determined that the child is eligible for special education services under IDEA, a multidisciplinary team of specialists and the parents review the child's levels of functioning and develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) specifically designed to meet the child's educational needs in the least restrictive environment. The IEP team determines the appropriate placement, develops the education goals for the student, and discusses the student's progress.

The Virginia Department of Education provides a variety of supports to administrators, teachers and parents of children with disabilities.

TIP: Finding your way around the site – Use the menu to the right to navigate to the sub-sections of this topic, find related topics and access VDOE office and staff contact information.

Resources

Guidance on Evaluation and Eligibility for the Special Education Process Appendix A (Sample Forms) (Word)
Extended School Year Services (PDF)
Part I of this document summarizes various case law decisions and reviews applicable federal law and regulations. Part II recommends instructional practices to guide Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams in determining the individual student's need for ESY services.
Medicaid and Schools – School divisions can submit reimbursement claims to Medicaid for some services provided to students.
VDOE Training and Technical Assistance Centers (T/TAC)
Your Family's Special Education Rights – Virginia Procedural Safeguards Notice (PDF)
- Spanish (PDF)
- Arabic (PDF)
- Chinese (PDF)
- Urdu (PDF)
- Farsi (PDF)
- Korean (PDF)
- Vietnamese (PDF)
Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia (PDF)
Procedures for Participation of Students with Disabilities in Virginia's Accountability System (PDF) – Guidelines for providing accommodations and documentation.
Transition Services
Framework for Instruction in American Sign Language in Virginia's Public Schools (PDF)

Outside Resources

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