http://www.partnerstx.org/evaluating-children-for-disability

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Evaluation is an essential beginning step in the special education process for a child with a disability. Before a child can receive special education and related services for the first time, a full and individual initial evaluation of the child must be conducted to see if the child has a disability and is eligible for special education. Informed parent consent must be obtained before this evaluation may be conducted.

The evaluation process is guided by requirements in our nation’s special education law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This section of our website will help you learn more about what these requirements are.

 

Purposes of Evaluation

 

The initial evaluation of a child is required by IDEA before any special education and related services can be provided to that child. The purposes of conducting this evaluation are straightforward:

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• To see if the child is a “child with a disability,” as defined by IDEA

• To gather information that will help determine the child’s educational needs

• To guide decision making about appropriate educational programming for the child.

 

IDEA’s Definition of a “Child with a Disability”

 

IDEA lists different disability categories under which a child may be found eligible for special education and related services. These categories are:

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• Autism

• Deafness

• Deaf-blindness

• Developmental delay

• Emotional disturbance

• Hearing impairment

• Intellectual disability

• Multiple disabilities

• Orthopedic impairment

• Other health impairment

• Specific learning disability

• Speech or language impairment

• Traumatic brain injury

• Visual impairment, including blindness.