IDEA: VI Eligibility Criteria for K-12

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), states and territories in the United States are required to provide free and appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities. This includes students who are blind, have low vision, or are deafblind. Under 34 CFR §300.8(c)(13), “visual impairment including blindness” means an impairment in vision that, even with correction, adversely affects a child’s educational performance. The term includes both partial sight and blindness. The USED clarified that the IDEA definition of “visual impairment including blindness” does not contain any modifier; therefore, any impairment in vision, regardless of significance or severity, must be included in a State’s definition, provided that such impairment, even with correction, adversely affects a child’s educational performance. States may not use criteria or other definitions for “visual impairment including blindness” that result in the exclusion of children who otherwise meet the definition in 34 CFR §300.8(c)(13). The specific criteria for determining eligibility can vary significantly from one state or territory to another, as IDEA allows local education agencies some flexibility in defining disability categories and eligibility requirements.

For a student to be eligible under the category of visual impairment, including blindness, some states require a certain level of visual acuity or field loss as diagnosed by a qualified professional. The criteria often include an acuity of 20/70 or worse in the better eye after correction or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. For children who are deafblind, some state eligibility requires a combination of both hearing and visual impairments that cause severe communication, developmental, and educational issues. These impairments must be such that they cannot be accommodated in special education programs solely for children with blindness or deafness.

Eligibility determination is a critical process that involves assessments by educational professionals, often including vision and hearing specialists, to ensure that each child’s unique needs are met according to the specific criteria set forth by their state or territory. The goal is to provide tailored educational services that will best support the student’s learning and development.

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