Individuals With Disabilities Education Act in Alabama
- Alabama has an Early Intervention System (EIS) that coordinates with and supplements existing federal programs. Children up to the age of 3 receive services if their cognitive, physical, communicative, emotional, adaptive or social development is delayed by 25 percent or more. The EIS also applies to young children who have been diagnosed with a physical or mental condition that is likely to result in developmental delay. If a child is eligible, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services sets up an individualized plan to provide services for the child. These services include audiology, physical therapy, family training, counseling and home visits.
- In Alabama, the Special Education Services section of the Department of Education works with the Children's Rehabilitation Service and the public schools to implement Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Any child resident in Alabama has the right to special education services until he either reaches the age of 21 or receives a high school diploma, whichever is earlier. A child is only eligible for special education if he has been evaluated by a professional. Each school district in Alabama has a special education coordinator who can advise on procedural and other aspects of the evaluation.
- Part C of the IDEA provides that each child who receives special education must have an individualized education program (IEP). The IEP lists the child's goals for a year and sets out the necessary services that will enable the child to reach those goals. Parents and schools, together with the child, discuss and write the IEP.
- The Alabama Parent Training and Info Network for Children with Disabilities provides training and information to families of children with disabilities. The Network aims to assist families to become advocates for their children. The Network offers a variety of services, including individual consultations, training sessions and workshops.
