Eligibility
Students with orthopedic impairments such as spina bifida or cerebral palsy will be identified for an evaluation by a physician from early on in their childhood. The physician will establish a medical diagnosis, and must work with the parent or guardian to make a referral to educational personnel. After the referral is addressed, an evaluation of the child's abilities, strengths and areas needed improvement, is performed. This evaluation may include individual assessment, classroom-based observation, and personal interviews with the child. After an initial evaluation, the school will set up an IEP, or individualized education plan, as well as an IEP team. The IEP team can include the parent or guardian, a special educator, a general educator, somebody to interpret the evaluation results, and a school representative. An assessment is usually performed, which is different from an evaluation in that it can include observations, information from parents and standardized tests. A public institution may gather an assessment using functional, developmental and academic information about a child. The IEP is then developed. This document is a plan that supports and directs the child's education through a team driven process. The established IEP team will meet to discuss changes and modifications to the IEP, such as school placement and number of special education service hours inside and outside the general education setting. The IEP team will then meet annually to make modifications, or if an emergency meeting is called. For more information, click here: Maryland Special Education