IDEA Disability Categories in Washington
What disability categories qualify for an IEP in Washington?
Washington State recognizes 13 disability categories for special education eligibility under WAC 392-172A-01035, consistent with federal IDEA (34 CFR 300.8). The categories are: (1) Intellectual Disability; (2) Deafness/Hard of Hearing; (3) Speech or Language Impairment; (4) Visual Impairment including Blindness; (5) Emotional/Behavioral Disability — Washington's term differs from the federal term 'Emotional Disturbance'; (6) Orthopedic Impairment; (7) Autism; (8) Traumatic Brain Injury; (9) Other Health Impairment; (10) Specific Learning Disability; (11) Deafblindness; (12) Multiple Disabilities; and (13) Developmental Delay (for children ages 3-9 only). A key Washington-specific term is 'Emotional/Behavioral Disability' (EBD) rather than the federal 'Emotional Disturbance.' To qualify, a student must: (1) have one of these disabilities; (2) experience an adverse educational impact; and (3) have unique needs requiring specially designed instruction rather than general education accommodations alone (WAC 392-172A-01035; WAC 392-172A-03040). For Specific Learning Disabilities, Washington permits identification through severe discrepancy, response to scientific research-based intervention (RTI), or a pattern of strengths and weaknesses — consistent with federal flexibility under 34 CFR 300.307.
What Washington Requires
Washington recognizes 13 disability categories, using the term 'Emotional/Behavioral Disability' (EBD) rather than the federal 'Emotional Disturbance' (WAC 392-172A-01035).
Eligibility requires: (1) a qualifying disability, (2) adverse effect on educational performance, and (3) need for specially designed instruction (WAC 392-172A-01035; WAC 392-172A-03040).
Developmental Delay category applies only to children ages 3-9; districts may use it to avoid premature labeling with a specific disability category (WAC 392-172A-01035).
A student cannot be found eligible if the determinant factor is lack of appropriate reading or math instruction, or limited English proficiency (WAC 392-172A-03040(3)).
For Specific Learning Disabilities, Washington permits identification through severe discrepancy, response to scientific research-based intervention (RTI), or a pattern of strengths and weaknesses (WAC 392-172A-03045; 34 CFR 300.307).
Eligibility determinations must be made by a group of qualified professionals and the parent (WAC 392-172A-03040(1)).
Key Timelines
Eligibility determination must occur within 35 school days of parental consent for evaluation (WAC 392-172A-03005).
Reevaluation of eligibility must occur at least every three years (WAC 392-172A-03015).
Evaluation report must be provided to parents before the eligibility determination meeting (per federal baseline 34 CFR 300.306).