IDEA Disability Categories in Vermont
What disability categories qualify for an IEP in Vermont?
Vermont recognizes the same 13 disability categories as federal IDEA for special education eligibility, defined in VT AOE Rule 2360.5 and 16 V.S.A. § 2941. The categories are: Autism, Deaf-Blindness, Deafness, Developmental Delay (ages 3-9), Emotional Disturbance, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech or Language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Visual Impairment Including Blindness. Vermont uses the same federal terminology (unlike some states that have renamed categories). Vermont uses 'Developmental Delay' for children ages 3 through 9 as a permitted category under 34 CFR 300.111(b). Vermont permits SLD identification through both discrepancy and RTI/MTSS pathways under VT AOE Rule 2360.5.4. Each category has specific eligibility criteria under VT AOE Rule 2360.5.
What Vermont Requires
Vermont recognizes all 13 federal IDEA disability categories and uses the federal terminology without state-specific renaming (VT AOE Rule 2360.5; 16 V.S.A. § 2941).
Vermont uses 'Developmental Delay' as a permitted eligibility category for children ages 3 through 9; the state has elected to use this category under 34 CFR 300.111(b) (VT AOE Rule 2360.5.3).
For Specific Learning Disability, Vermont permits eligibility through both severe discrepancy and inadequate response to intervention (RTI/MTSS) pathways (VT AOE Rule 2360.5.4).
Eligibility requires: (1) a qualifying disability category, (2) adverse effect on educational performance, and (3) need for special education and related services (VT AOE Rule 2360.5; 34 CFR 300.8).
A student cannot be found eligible if the determinant factor is lack of instruction in reading or math or limited English proficiency (VT AOE Rule 2360.5.3; 34 CFR 300.306(b)).
Key Timelines
Initial evaluation must be completed within 60 calendar days of parental consent — Vermont's state-established timeline (VT AOE Rule 2360.5.1).
Reevaluation of eligibility must occur at least every three years or sooner if conditions warrant (VT AOE Rule 2360.5.2; 34 CFR 300.303).
Developmental Delay eligibility expires when the child reaches age 9; the IEP team must determine whether the child meets criteria for a specific disability category (VT AOE Rule 2360.5.3).