Need help understanding the Special Education Process? This document provides information for parents, guardians and other family members about laws, regulations and policies affecting special education programs and services. However, these protections, rights and opportunities will best help students reach their full potential when parents, families and schools work collaboratively.

Special Education in New York State for Children Ages 3–21 A Parent’s Guide

Categories of Disability under IDEA:

There are 13 categories of special education as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In order to qualify for special education, the Committee on Special Education (CSE) must determine that a child has one of the following that adversely affects the student’s educational performance:

1. Autism

2. Deafness

3. Deaf-Blindness

4. Emotional Disturbance

5. Hearing Impairment

6. Intellectual Disability

7. Multiple Disabilities

8. Orthopedic Impairment

9. Other Health Impaired

10. Learning Disability

11. Speech or Language Impairment

12. Traumatic Brain Injury

13. Visual Impairment

As a parent, you are a vital member of the Committee on Special Education (CSE) or Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) in New York State. The CSE/CPSE is responsible for developing recommendations for special education programs and services for your child. You must be given opportunities to participate in the CSE/CPSE discussion and decision-making process about your child’s needs for special education. The following information concerns procedural safeguards that are your legal rights under federal and State laws to be informed about and involved in the special education process and to make sure that your child receives a free appropriate public education.

The link below will provide the procedural safeguards, viewable in multiple languages.

Procedural Safeguards Notice

Parent's Guide to Special Education:

Need help understanding the Special Education Process? This document provides information for parents, guardians and other family members about laws, regulations and policies affecting special education programs and services. However, these protections, rights and opportunities will best help students reach their full potential when parents, families and schools work collaboratively.

Parent's Guide to Special Education