Acquired
Brain Injury
A
deficit in brain functioning which is medically verifiable, non-degenerative
or progressive, resulting in a total or partial loss of one or
more of the following: cognitive, communication, motor, psychosocial
or sensory-perceptual abilities.
Communication
Disability
An
impairment in the process of speech, language or hearing. Hearing
impairment means a total or partial loss of hearing function which
impedes the communication process essential to language, educational,
social and/or cultural interactions. Speech and language impairments
mean one or more speech or language disorders of voice, articulation,
rhythm and/or the receptive and expressive processes of language.
Developmental
Disability
A
student who exhibits (a) below average intellectual functioning,
(b) impaired social functioning, and (c) potential for measurable
achievement in instruction and employment settings.
Learning
Disability
A
learning disability is defined as a persistent condition of presumed
neurological dysfunction which may exist with other disabling
conditions. This dysfunction continues despite instruction in
standard classroom situations. Learning disabled adults, a heterogeneous
group, are characterized as having (a) average to above-average
intellectual ability, (b) severe processing deficit(s), (c) severe
achievement-aptitude discrepancy(ies), (d) measured average achievement
for age in at least one instructional area.
Physical
Disability
A
visual, mobility, orthopedic or other health related impairment.
(a) Visual impairment means a total or partial loss of sight.
(b) Mobility or orthopedic impairments mean a serious limitation
in locomotion or motor functions which indicate a need for one
or more of the services or programs available from DSPS. (c) Other
health impairment means a serious dysfunction of a body part or
system which necessitates the use of one or more of the assistive/supportive
services or programs available from DSPS.
Psychological
Disability
A
persistent psychological or psychiatric disorder, emotional or
mental illness which: (a) is listed in the American Psychiatric
Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition-Revised
(DSM IV-R), or succeeding equivalent revisions, and is coded on
Axis I or Axis II as moderate or severe (b) reflects a psychiatric
or psychological condition that interferes with a major life activity
(c) poses an educational limitation.
Other
Other
means disorders, limitations, or disabilities not currently accepted
as a disability by state law or regulation for DSPS funding (e.g.,
Attention Deficit Disorder, obesity).
