DoDDS-E special education services are directed by both Federal regulations, P.L. 105-17, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Department of Defense Instruction, DoDI 1342.12, "Provision of Early Intervention and Special Education Services to Eligible DoD Dependents in Overseas Areas". These documents ensure that DoDDS personnel and families know who is eligible and what they must do to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).

What are the Disability Categories?

All disabilities fall into five disability categories identified by the law that the Case Study Committee will review during the evaluation process to determine if your child is eligible for special education.

· Category A: Physical Impairment
· Category B: Emotional Impairment
· Category C: Communication Impairment
. Category D: Learning Impairment
. Category E: Developmental Delay

Program Description: The function of the Special Education Department at the Area Office is to provide leadership and guidance on a wide range of special education topics and issues to the special education coordinator and staff at the District Superintendents Offices (DSOs). The area office special education staff participates in school and/or district assistance visits and training when requested by the DSOs.

The DoDDS-Europe Director's Office has two Special Education Coordinators who advise the Deputy Director on special education issues and who is the liaison with the military branches on special education matters. In addition to the coordinator the Special Education Department consists of three Instructional Systems Specialists: Non-DoDDS School Program/Special Education, Assistive Technology, and Autism. The Special Education Department:

· has the responsibility for screening all military families who have exceptional family members to see that the type and the seriousness of the disability is considered when assigning the families overseas, to ensure that the educational and medical needs can be met.

· has the additional responsibility of facilitating special education services for eligible DoD students in locations where there is no access to an acceptable special education program.

· provides Dispute Management for the DoDDS-E Schools. The Special Education Department provides guidance and assistance to the district special education coordinators and staff when mediation is requested.