There are 14 specific categories included in IDEA under the lead definition of "child with a disability." These federal terms and definitions guide how States define disability and who is eligible for a free appropriate public education (FAPE) under special education law. The definitions of these specific terms from the IDEA regulations are defined. In order to fully meet the definition (and eligibility for special education and related services) as a "child with a disability," a child's educational performance must be adversely affected due to the disability.
(* Note: Click under 'Category Links' at the top for 'Descriptions of Resources' for each Specific Disability)