Evaluation & Eligibility for Special Education
In Virginia, eligibility for special education services is determined through a rigorous evaluation process, as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Virginia Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities. To be eligible, a child must meet several criteria.
First, they must have a documented disability that falls within one of the specific categories recognized under IDEA and the Virginia Department of Education, which include conditions such as learning disabilities, speech or language impairments, autism, intellectual disabilities, and more.
Second, the disability must adversely affect the child's educational performance. The evaluation process, typically involving assessments, observations, and input from parents and educators, helps establish eligibility.
Third, the impact must be so significant that there is a need for specially designed instruction.
For a child to be found eligible as a child with a disability, the student must meet the specific criteria adopted by the Virginia Department of Education, and the child’s disability must affect his or her educational performance. Criteria for these disability categories are included in Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia.
There are 14 disability categories in which a student can be found eligible as a student with a disability under IDEA and Virginia Regulations. Those are:
Intellectual Disability
Deaf or Hearing Impaired
Deaf-Blindness
Speech Language Impairment
Visual Impairment
Emotional Disability,
Orthopedic Impairment
Autism
Traumatic Brain Injury
Other Health Impairments
Specific Learning Disability
Deaf-Blind
Multiple Disabilities
Developmental Delay
Once eligibility is determined, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed, outlining the specific services and accommodations the child needs to receive a free and appropriate public education. Virginia's special education system is designed to ensure that every eligible child with a disability receives the necessary support and accommodations to reach their full potential in the educational setting. (Source: VDOE Supplemental Guidance on Evaluation & Eligibility)
Understanding & Navigating Special Education
Disability Specific Resources
Sensory Disabilities:
Visual Impairment Including Blindness | Virginia Department of Education
Hearing/Visually Impaired Services | Falls Church City Public Schools
Speech-Language Impairments:
Emotional/Behavioral Concerns:
Orthopedic Impairment:
Autism:
Traumatic Brain Injury:
Other Health Impairments:
Specific Learning Disabilities:
Learning Disabilities in Mathematics | Virginia Department of Education
Learning Disabilities in Writing | Virginia Department of Education
Intellectual Disabilities:
Multiple Disabilities:
Other Areas of Interest:
Executive Functioning:
Assistive Technology:
Functional Behavior Assessments/Behavior Intervention Plans:
Special Education Resource Library
Books and DVDs organized by topic that are available for checkout. Please call the Special Education Office at 703-248-5630 to schedule a time to review or check out any of these resources.