IDEA Disability Categories in Idaho
What disability categories qualify for an IEP in Idaho?
Idaho recognizes 13 disability categories for special education eligibility, defined in IDAPA 08.02.03.082 through 08.02.03.095, consistent with the federal IDEA categories. The categories are: (1) Autism (IDAPA 08.02.03.082); (2) Deaf-Blindness (IDAPA 08.02.03.083); (3) Deafness (IDAPA 08.02.03.084); (4) Emotional Disturbance (IDAPA 08.02.03.085); (5) Hearing Impairment (IDAPA 08.02.03.086); (6) Intellectual Disability (IDAPA 08.02.03.087) — Idaho uses the current federal term 'Intellectual Disability' following Rosa's Law; (7) Multiple Disabilities (IDAPA 08.02.03.088); (8) Orthopedic Impairment (IDAPA 08.02.03.089); (9) Other Health Impairment (IDAPA 08.02.03.090); (10) Specific Learning Disability (IDAPA 08.02.03.091); (11) Speech or Language Impairment (IDAPA 08.02.03.092); (12) Traumatic Brain Injury (IDAPA 08.02.03.093); and (13) Visual Impairment Including Blindness (IDAPA 08.02.03.094). For Developmental Delay, Idaho allows its use as an eligibility category for children aged 3 through 9 (IDAPA 08.02.03.095). Each category has specific entry criteria defined in Idaho's administrative rules.
What Idaho Requires
Idaho recognizes all 13 federal IDEA disability categories with eligibility criteria specified in IDAPA 08.02.03.082-094 (IDAPA 08.02.03.082-094).
Idaho uses 'Intellectual Disability' consistent with Rosa's Law (34 CFR 300.8(a)(6)); IDAPA 08.02.03.087 defines this category (IDAPA 08.02.03.087).
Developmental Delay may be used as an eligibility category for children aged 3 through 9, allowing Idaho to serve younger children who do not yet meet criteria for a specific disability category (IDAPA 08.02.03.095; 34 CFR 300.8(b)).
For Specific Learning Disability, Idaho permits eligibility determination using either a severe discrepancy model or a response-to-intervention / problem-solving model (IDAPA 08.02.03.091; 34 CFR 300.307-300.311).
A student must meet the criteria for a disability category AND the disability must adversely affect educational performance AND the student must need special education and related services (IDAPA 08.02.03.096; 34 CFR 300.8).
A student cannot be found eligible if the determinant factor is lack of appropriate instruction in reading or math or limited English proficiency (IDAPA 08.02.03.096; 34 CFR 300.306(b)).
Key Timelines
Developmental Delay eligibility applies to children ages 3 through 9; by age 10 the student must qualify under a specific disability category or exit special education (IDAPA 08.02.03.095; 34 CFR 300.8(b)).
Reevaluation of eligibility must occur at least every three years or sooner when conditions warrant or parent/teacher requests (IDAPA 08.02.03.097.02; 34 CFR 300.303).