Once you have identified your child as being suspected of having a disability, the school district should conduct a multi-factored evaluation to determine the need for special education services and/or accommodations in the academic setting. Eligibility for special education is based on evaluation results — a medical diagnosis alone does not qualify a student.  

 

At its core, the eligibility process appears to be straightforward, however complexity begins to build when additional factors come into play. Specific guidance exists when addressing objections that frequently surface during the eligibility process; Ohio Student Advocacy helps you navigate concerns and questions regarding Response to Intervention (RTI) plans, Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE), Functional Behavior Assessments and timelines that are compliant with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  

 

When you suspect your child may have a disability, it is critical that all areas of possible need are evaluated thoroughly and in a timely manner. Ohio Student Advocacy helps to make that possible and to navigate any objections that are keeping your child from receiving access to a free and appropriate education.  

 

 

Resources

 

 

Wrightslaw: FAQs about Eligibility

Wrightslaw: Assessments, Evaluations & Tests

Ohio Department of Education: Special Education Procedural Safeguards