IDEA Disability Categories in Louisiana

What disability categories qualify for an IEP in Louisiana?

Louisiana uses the term 'exceptionalities' rather than 'disabilities' to describe students eligible for special education services (La. R.S. 17:1941; Bulletin 1508). Louisiana recognizes the 13 IDEA disability categories, referenced in Bulletin 1508, §701, with some Louisiana-specific terminology: Autism, Deaf-Blindness, Deafness, Emotional Disturbance (Louisiana uses the federal term, not a state variant), Hard of Hearing, Intellectual Disability (updated from prior 'Mental Retardation' terminology), Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech or Language Impairment (Louisiana also uses 'Severe Language Disorder' as a distinct subcategory), Traumatic Brain Injury, and Visual Impairment Including Blindness. Additionally, Louisiana recognizes Developmental Delay for children under age 9 (Bulletin 1508, §705). Louisiana also includes categories specific to gifted and talented students under Bulletin 1706 Subpart 2 and Bulletin 1508. The Bulletin 1508 Pupil Appraisal Handbook provides detailed eligibility criteria and evaluation procedures for each exceptionality category.