The Two-Pronged Eligibility Test
Under IDEA, a child must meet both criteria to qualify for an IEP:
Prong 1: Disability
The child has one of the 13 qualifying disabilities under IDEA
Prong 2: Need for Services
The disability requires specialized instruction to access the general education curriculum
Important: Having a diagnosis alone doesn't guarantee an IEP. The school must also determine that the disability impacts learning enough to require specialized instruction—not just accommodations.
The 13 IDEA Disability Categories
These are the only qualifying categories under federal law. States may use different terminology but must cover these conditions.
AutismCommon
A developmental disability affecting communication and social interaction, with restricted/repetitive behaviors.
Deaf-Blindness
Simultaneous hearing and visual impairments causing severe communication and developmental needs.
Deafness
Hearing impairment so severe the child cannot process linguistic information through hearing.
Emotional DisturbanceCommon
Conditions including anxiety, depression, or behavior disorders that affect educational performance over time.
Hearing Impairment
Permanent or fluctuating hearing loss that adversely affects educational performance.
Intellectual DisabilityCommon
Significantly below average intellectual functioning with deficits in adaptive behavior.
Multiple Disabilities
Combination of impairments causing severe educational needs that cannot be accommodated in a single-disability program.
Orthopedic Impairment
Severe physical impairments affecting educational performance (cerebral palsy, amputations, etc.).
Other Health Impairment (OHI)Common
Chronic or acute health conditions affecting strength, vitality, or alertness. Includes ADHD, diabetes, epilepsy, heart conditions.
Specific Learning Disability (SLD)Common
Disorders affecting reading, writing, or math (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia). The most common IEP category.
Speech or Language ImpairmentCommon
Communication disorders including stuttering, articulation problems, or language/voice impairments.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Brain injury from external force causing functional disability or psychosocial impairment.
Visual Impairment
Vision problems that, even with correction, adversely affect educational performance. Includes blindness.
Common Eligibility Scenarios
"My child has ADHD. Do they qualify?"
ADHD typically qualifies under "Other Health Impairment" (OHI) if it significantly impacts alertness and academic performance. The school will evaluate whether your child needs specialized instruction or just accommodations (which would be a 504 Plan instead).
Learn more about IEPs for ADHD →"My child has anxiety/depression. Do they qualify?"
Anxiety and depression may qualify under "Emotional Disturbance" if they've persisted over time and adversely affect educational performance. Schools often resist this category, so documentation is crucial.
Learn more about IEPs for anxiety →"My child struggles but gets passing grades."
Grades alone don't determine eligibility. A child working twice as hard as peers to achieve passing grades may still need specialized instruction. Document the effort required and any supports currently in place.
What If My Child Is Denied Eligibility?
You have options:
- Request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at the district's expense if you disagree with their evaluation
- Provide additional documentation from private providers (doctors, psychologists, therapists)
- Request a 504 Plan as an alternative if your child needs accommodations but not specialized instruction
- File for mediation or due process if you believe the school is wrong