IDEA Disability Categories in Connecticut
What disability categories qualify for an IEP in Connecticut?
Connecticut recognizes 13 disability categories for special education eligibility, consistent with the federal IDEA categories, defined in Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76a-1. The categories are: (1) Autism; (2) Deaf-Blindness; (3) Deafness; (4) Emotional Disturbance — Connecticut uses the same federal term, unlike some states; (5) Hearing Impairment; (6) Intellectual Disability — Connecticut updated its terminology from 'Mental Retardation' consistent with Rosa's Law; (7) Multiple Disabilities; (8) Orthopedic Impairment; (9) Other Health Impairment; (10) Specific Learning Disability; (11) Speech or Language Impairment; (12) Traumatic Brain Injury; and (13) Visual Impairment Including Blindness. For Specific Learning Disability (SLD), Connecticut prohibits the IQ-achievement discrepancy model and requires the use of Scientific Research-Based Interventions (SRBI) as the sole identification pathway (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76a-2). Districts may not use discrepancy analysis for SLD eligibility. The PPT makes all eligibility determinations.
What Connecticut Requires
Connecticut recognizes the 13 IDEA disability categories as defined in Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76a-1; the PPT makes all eligibility determinations.
Connecticut uses the term 'Emotional Disturbance' consistent with federal IDEA terminology (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76a-1).
Connecticut uses 'Intellectual Disability' consistent with Rosa's Law, replacing prior terminology (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76a-1).
For Specific Learning Disability, Connecticut prohibits the IQ-achievement discrepancy model and requires SRBI (Scientific Research-Based Interventions) only for SLD identification (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76a-2).
A student cannot be found eligible if the determinant factor is lack of appropriate instruction in reading, including instruction in the essential components of reading; lack of math instruction; or limited English proficiency (34 CFR 300.306(b)).
Eligibility requires: (1) a qualifying disability category, (2) adverse effect on educational performance, and (3) need for special education and related services (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76a-1).
Key Timelines
SLD via RTI: the student must have been provided appropriate instruction and the data must document the student's rate of progress (34 CFR 300.309(a)(1)).
Reevaluation of eligibility must occur at least every three years or sooner when conditions warrant (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-10; 34 CFR 300.303).
Initial eligibility determination must occur within Connecticut's 60-calendar-day evaluation timeline from referral (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-76d(b)(2)).