Understanding IDEA Disabilities in Texas: A Framework for Assessment

In accordance with the Region 18 Framework Disabilities in Texas, it is essential to conduct comprehensive assessments covering all suspected areas of disability. Below is a breakdown of IDEA disabilities recognized within the state, each impacting various aspects of an individual's educational performance.

  • Affects communication and social interactions, both verbal and nonverbal.

  • Simultaneous hearing and visual impairments impacting communication and developmental needs.

  • Impairs the ability to process spoken language, affecting educational performance.

  • Decreases the ability to hear but differs from deafness.

  • Severe behavior affecting educational performance, characterized by interpersonal difficulties, inappropriate behaviors, and emotional challenges.

  • Below-average intellectual functioning and deficits in adaptive behavior areas.

  • Occur concurrently with other disabilities, like an intellectual disability with another health impairment.

  • Identified in children aged 3-5, including specific learning disabilities and intellectual disabilities.

  • Hinders success in school due to musculoskeletal impairments.

  • Health issues like asthma, ADHD, or diabetes causing limited alertness in the educational environment.

  • Difficulties in writing, math, reading, and listening, impacting educational performance (e.g., dyslexia)

  • Difficulty in verbal communication, affecting educational performance.

  • Head injuries impacting cognition, language, memory, attention, reasoning, and other cognitive functions.

  • Negatively affects educational performance, even with corrective measures like glasses.

The IEP process is a journey, a journey that must include you as a parent. Do not be afraid of being an advocate for your child, if you have questions or concerns ask! The people that are part of the ARD committee are here to help YOU & YOUR child.