Reply to IEP re-evaluation: What can we expect?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Special Ed teacher here--
The correct designation for ED now is Emotional Disability--we no longer use the word disturbed in the diagnostic language.

Also, the best "label" or eligibility category for a child is the one that best describes their needs and matches the type of services and support they need.

Also, public schools cannot refuse a child with any disability, but the system may recommend supporting them in a school other than the neighborhood school if the IEP warrants it--not all school buildings have the same specially trained staff or equipment.  The goals and services outlined in the IEP are really what drive the placement decision, not the label.

I work with many children who have ED labels or services and who are currently in their neighborhood school.  As long as we can ensure that we are addressing their behavior and social/emotional issues and keeping them safe, we strive to keep them in the least restrictive setting, which is the school they would attend based on their address.  However, there are some children whose behavior is so erratic or intense that there may be another setting that can better meet their needs--one with more of a behavioral focus, additional staff, full-time therapist, etc.  Not necessarily a bad thing if what you really want if for your child to work through those challenges.

OHI (Other Health Impaired) requires a medical diagnosis that you can document as impacting the child's ability to achieve in school.  The most common is ADHD, but I have also seen parents use seizure disorders or more psychological diagnoses to fit that category, such as OCD, ODD, or IED (intermitten exposive disorder).

Many parents seek to avoid both the Aut and the ED classification and try to use OHI as a blanket eligibility category.  OHI can be seen as a more neutral option, but in my opinion it can also mask what the real issue is with a child.[/quote]

PP here, do you have a link for that? All my sources say that these terms CAN be used interchangeably, but the common use is still emotional disturbance.

http://nichcy.org/disability/specific/emotionaldisturbance

A child with ED and an IEP can be placed in ED classrooms if the placement team feels this is the only environment appropriate, whether the child actually has an ED or not. I am not saying that this WILL happen, but it can. I am sure you are a great teacher at a great school, but there are definitely schools who will claim that they cannot serve a child with that diagnosis, I have seen it happen. Yes, most of the time, the children did need more intervention and they had other factors that led to the label, but it can be devastating for a child who has behavior issues that stem from ADHD or other disorders. PP has not stated that and I do not know her child, but I would still recommend to absolutely be certain that the label fits. It may be no issue for you as a teacher, but I can assure you that it is an issue for the child and the parents if this is randomly attached without there being a definite emotional disability/disturbance. [/quote]

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