Summary of Services, Programs, and Initiatives Provided to Virginians with Disabilities

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

1. Name of Service/Program/Initiative: Special Education and Related Services
2. Service Description and Eligibility Requirements, If Any: Children with disabilities must meet the eligibility requirements specified in federal (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and state law and regulations. Eligible children receive services in accordance with their Individualized Education Program. Services range from placement in a regular education program with special education support to placement in a residential special education facility. Over 95% of children of the 165,000+ children eligible are served in local public schools.
3. Service Preauthorization Required: No - preauthorization is not applicable; eligibility is (see #2).
4. Target Population/s: Children aged 2 - 22 (or graduation with a high school diploma) who are found to be eligible with any of the following disabilities: autism, deaf-blindness, developmental delay (only for ages 2 - 8), emotional disturbance, hearing impairment/deafness, learning disabilities, mental retardation, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment (which includes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), severe disabilities, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, or visual impairment.
5. Method of Administration: Local Administration - Local school boards run the special education programs in their division (132 divisions). Special education programs are also provided in state-operated facilities (schools for the deaf and the blind, correctional facilities, detention homes, state hospitals)
6. General Availability of the Service Across the Commonwealth (e.g., statewide, only available in certain localities): Statewide
7. Number of Persons Served Annually (Provide and indicate most recent year available): 165,442, based on December 1, 2001 data collection.
8. Annual Service Cost/Allocation (Provide and indicate the most recent year available): $1,165,631,001 (as reported by localities); this is 9.8% federal funds; 26.6% state funds; 63.6% local funds.
9. Other Information or Comments About the Service: Education does not provide residential services. Schools may place a child is placed in a residential facility for educational services, based on the child's IEP. When children are placed in a residential facility by another government entity (Comprehensive Services Act, Social Services, Court, or through Medicaid funds in a nursing facility), schools are responsible for ensuring the child receives the special education services for which they are eligible.
   
   FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:
   Dr. Patricia Abrams
   804-225-2932
   mailto:pabrams@mail.vak12ed.edu

   

Tim Kaine	Marilyn B. Tavenner	Patrick O. Gottschalk	Pierce R. Homer	Dr. Thomas R. Morris
Virginia Governor	Secretary of HHR	Secretary of Commerce & Trade	Secretary of Transportation	Secretary of Education