• Speech or Language Impairment
Child speaking into microphone with earphones on

  • Speech or Language Impairment is a communication disorder, such as stuttering, impaired articulation, a language impairment, or a voice impairment, that adversely affects a child's educational performance.  Eligibility begins at age 5 for children identified under this disability.

  • Eligibility *

    The current eligibility criteria for Speech or Language Impairment under state law is found in Title 14 Education Delaware Administrative Code Section 925.  If a student is found to have a disability, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team must also determine the need for special education and related services (6.0 Determination of Eligibility).

    According to the Delaware Administrative Code, in determining eligibility under the Speech and Language classification, the IEP team shall consider the results of an evaluation conducted by a licensed Speech and Language Pathologist which identifies one or more of the following conditions: an articulation disorder, a language disorder, dysfluent speech; or a voice disorder.

    Age of Eligibility: The age of eligibility for children identified under this definition shall be from the fifth birthday until the receipt of a regular high school diploma or the end of the school year in which the student attains the age of twenty-one (21), whichever occurs first, except where speech and language therapy is provided as a related service. In the latter instance, the age of eligibility shall correspond with that of the identified primary disability condition.

    * Retrieved from Title 14 Education Delaware Administrative Code.
Last Modified on February 26, 2023