13 Federal Special Education Disabilities
Special education can be overwhelming for many parents. There are 13 federal disability categories that school districts consider when determining whether a student qualifies for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Many parents are unfamiliar with these categories and may not know what to expect when their child begins to struggle in school.
When a child experiences academic, behavioral, social, or communication challenges, parents often wonder whether special education services could help. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), students may qualify for special education services if they meet the criteria for one of the following disability categories and require specialized instruction to access their education.
The 13 Federal Special Education Disability Categories
Autism (AUT)
Deaf-Blindness (DB)
Deafness (D)
Emotional Disturbance (ED)
Hearing Impairment (HI)
Intellectual Disability (ID)
Multiple Disabilities (MD)
Orthopedic Impairment (OI)
Other Health Impairment (OHI)
Specific Learning Disability (SLD)
Speech or Language Impairment (SLI)
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Visual Impairment Including Blindness (VI)
Over the next several weeks, I will be discussing each disability category in greater detail. We will explore what each category means, common characteristics, how eligibility is determined, and the types of supports and services that may be available through an IEP.
As parents, all of this information can feel confusing and overwhelming. You do not have to navigate the special education system alone.
At Advocates for the Whole Child, we are committed to helping families understand their rights, navigate the IEP process, and ensure their child receives the support they need to succeed in school.
Our goal is simple: to educate, support, and empower parents so they can confidently advocate for their children.
We are here to empower you—because every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.
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