What is IDEA ?

 

Any Child who has a disability and needs extra assistance or services to learn grade-appropriate instruction is eligible for special education services. This includes pre-school aged children and in some cases, young adults, who have been diagnosed with a disability and need special services to assist with the student's ability to receive or understand instruction. While sometimes, this can mean that a child has a physical disability, other children may qualify as a result of a non-physical disability (i.e. emotional or behavioral disorders). Most people are aware that school-aged children can qualify for these services, but many people are unaware that toddlers and adults may also qualify:

Toddlers

 

Under the Alabama Early Intervention System (AEIS), if a parent consents, support and services must be provided to eligible infants and toddlers, from birth to 3 years, who have developmental delays. AEIS is supported by federal, state, and private funding sources. Child Find is Alabama’s statewide regulations to locate, identify, and evaluate children who may have developmental delays. Anyone may submit referral information or get resource material for infants and toddlers ages birth to 3 years by calling the AEIS Child Find number, 1-800-543-3098. If after a school district is informed of a possible need to give your child services, you still do not receive the services you have requested, call us at 334.316.0123 or 334-676-4110.



School-aged children

 

If you think your school-aged is not receiving the proper services or is getting no services at all from a special education professional at his/her school, call us at 334.316.0123 or 334-676-4110.

Adult-aged recipients

 

Unless the student/parent refuses services, a student receiving special education services who is 21 years of age on September 1 of a school year shall be eligible for services through the end of that school year or until graduation with a regular high school diploma, whichever comes first. Also, before a school can terminate services, the school must give prior notice to the student and/or parent. If you are concerned about a notice that services are set to stop, call us at 334.316.0123 or 334-676-4110.