Here is a list of disabilities that may enable a child to receive special education. Do not hesitate to ask your child’s school about special education eligibility.
Special education is for children who:
- are between the ages of 3 and 21 and have a disability, and
- need special classes, special instruction, or special services because of the disability
Special education services are provided:
- until the end of the school year during which the child turns 21 years old, or
- until he or she graduates with a regular high school diploma, whichever happens first.
Sometimes children who get a GED can get special education through the end of the school year during which they turn 21.
To learn about special education, read the legal aid article, Special Education: Protecting Your Child, Protecting Your Rights.
The Connecticut State Department of Education also has a booklet called A Parent’s Guide to Special Education in Connecticut.
Disabilities that enable a child to receive special education include:
- Autism
- Hearing impairments, including deafness
- Intellectual disabilities (mental retardation)
- Learning disabilities
- Multiple disabilities
- Neurological impairments
- Orthopedic disabilities
- Physical impairments
- Serious emotional disturbance
- Speech and/or language impairments
- Traumatic brain injury
- Visual impairments, including blindness
- Other health problems such as: asthma, Attention Deficit Disorder/ADD, diabetes, epilepsy, heart condition, hemophilia, lead poisoning, leukemia, nephritis, rheumatic fever, sickle cell anemia, and Tourette Syndrome.
Your child may have other problems that would make him or her eligible for special education. Do not hesitate to ask about special education eligibility.
