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Low Incidence Disabilities

Low Incidence Disabilities

According to the definition in IDEA, a low incidence disability means a visual or hearing impairment, or simultaneous visual and hearing impairments, a significant cognitive impairment, or any impairment for which a small number of personnel with highly specialized skills and knowledge are needed in order for chidlren with that impairment to receive early intervention services or a free appropriate public education (IDEA).

Assistive Technology

According to IDEA, Assistive Technology is defined as  "Any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities."  The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device.
 
As defined in IDEA, an assistive technology service "Any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, and use of an assistive technology device.: The term includes...
  • The evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child's customary environment;
  • Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by children with disabilities;
  • Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, retaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices;
  • Coordinating and use other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;
  • Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability or, if appropriate, that child's family; and
  • Training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals or rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of children with disabilities.

Ohio’s Alternate Assessment for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (AASCD)

Ohio’s Alternate Assessment for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (AASCD) is aligned to Ohio’s Learning Standards–Extended (OLS-E) and designed to allow students with significant cognitive disabilities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in an appropriately rigorous assessment. The AASCD will be administered by grade band: 3-5, 6-8 and High School (HS). Students in grades 3, 4, 6 and 7 will be assessed in English language arts and mathematics. Students in grades 5 and 8 will be assessed in English language arts, mathematics and science. Students taking the HS-AASCD will be assessed in English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies.
 
Ohio Alternate Assessment Portal
The Ohio Alternate Assessment Portal is your gateway to all systems and resources for the administration of the Alternate Assessment for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (AASCD). It includes FAQs and resources for students and families, teachers/test administrators, test coordinators, and technology coordinators. Although this test portal is available to the public, several systems require users to log in using their account information.

Children's Hearing and Vision Program

Hearing and Vision Screening Annual School Survey 2024-2025


2024-2025 Annual School Hearing and Vision Reporting Is Now Available! Early detection and treatment of hearing and vision disorders provide children with the best opportunity to develop academically, emotionally, and socially. Hearing and vision loss in school children may interfere with their ability to learn. State law (Ohio Revised Code 3313.69) requires schools to conduct hearing and vision screenings of school children in the required grades (except those who qualify for an exemption) following testing methods and devices approved by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). State law (Ohio Revised Code 3313.50) also requires schools to report annual hearing and vision screening data to ODH. This data is critical because ODH uses it to assess hearing and vision screening practices in Ohio’s schools as well as to develop effective trainings for school nurses and other school screening personnel. Please use the links below to submit your school’s hearing and vision data for the 2024-2025 school year by June 1.

For questions regarding hearing screening guidelines, please contact Melissa Herrick at [email protected].gov or (614) 466-1995.

For questions regarding vision screening guidelines, please contact Molly Nelson at [email protected] or (614) 466-4183. 


Ohio Department of Health, Children's Hearing and Vision Programs

Children's Hearing and Vision Programs


Hearing and vision loss in children can significantly impact their ability to learn. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, out of every 1,000 children in the United States, approximately two to three are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears. According to the American Optometric Association, vision problems affect approximately one in four school-aged children.
 
As school nurses, you play a critical role in identifying common signs of hearing and vision loss in children.
 
Some common signs of hearing loss in children include:
•    Difficulty hearing or understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.
•    Frequently asking for repetition or clarification.
•    Turning up the volume on electronic devices or television.
•    Delayed or absent speech development.
 
Signs of vision loss in children may include:
•    Frequent headaches or eye strain.
•    Rubbing of the eyes or squinting.
•    Difficulty reading or seeing the chalkboard.
•    Holding books or electronic devices close to the face.

If you observe any of these signs in a student, it is important to refer them for further evaluation and potential treatment. By identifying potential hearing or vision issues early on, school nurses can help students receive the care and support they need to succeed academically and socially.



2025 Ohio Department of Health School Asthma, Hearing, and Vision Training?


Hearing and vision loss in children can significantly impact their ability to learn. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, out of every 1,000 children in the United States, approximately two to three are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears. According to the American Optometric Association, vision problems affect approximately one in four school-aged children.
 
As school nurses, you play a critical role in identifying common signs of hearing and vision loss in children.
 
Some common signs of hearing loss in children include:
•    Difficulty hearing or understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.
•    Frequently asking for repetition or clarification.
•    Turning up the volume on electronic devices or television.
•    Delayed or absent speech development.
 
Signs of vision loss in children may include:
•    Frequent headaches or eye strain.
•    Rubbing of the eyes or squinting.
•    Difficulty reading or seeing the chalkboard.
•    Holding books or electronic devices close to the face.

If you observe any of these signs in a student, it is important to refer them for further evaluation and potential treatment. By identifying potential hearing or vision issues early on, school nurses can help students receive the care and support they need to succeed academically and socially.




Hearing and vision loss in children can significantly impact their ability to learn. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, out of every 1,000 children in the United States, approximately two to three are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears. According to the American Optometric Association, vision problems affect approximately one in four school-aged children.
 
As school nurses, you play a critical role in identifying common signs of hearing and vision loss in children.
 
Some common signs of hearing loss in children include:
•    Difficulty hearing or understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.
•    Frequently asking for repetition or clarification.
•    Turning up the volume on electronic devices or television.
•    Delayed or absent speech development.
 
Signs of vision loss in children may include:
•    Frequent headaches or eye strain.
•    Rubbing of the eyes or squinting.
•    Difficulty reading or seeing the chalkboard.
•    Holding books or electronic devices close to the face.

If you observe any of these signs in a student, it is important to refer them for further evaluation and potential treatment. By identifying potential hearing or vision issues early on, school nurses can help students receive the care and support they need to succeed academically and socially.



Join us for the Virtual School Asthma, Hearing, and Vision training. Each free training provides helpful information and resources for school health professionals. Select training dates will be held in partnership with Prevent Blindness, Ohio Affiliate. Qualified participants may be eligible for free vision screening equipment upon completion of the training.

Please click the dates below to register.

Training Schedule
Asthma Training 8 – 8:55 a.m.
Asthma Training Evaluation 8:55 -9 a.m.
Hearing Screening Training 9 – 10:55 a.m.
Hearing Evaluation 10:55 – 11 am
Lunch Break 11 a.m. - Noon
Vision Training Noon – 4 p.m.

Ohio Department of Health is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission of Accreditation. 


Contact ODH Staff with Questions
Hearing Questions: [email protected]
Vision Questions: [email protected]

New Resources on The Outreach Center for Deafness and Blindness Learning Hub

New resources have been launched on The Outreach Center for Deafness and Blindness at OCALI on the Learning Hub to support instruction and access for learners with low incidence disabilities. The module series Unlocking the Foundations of Reading for Learners who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing is intended to bring reading research to the classroom in a format that is easy for educators to access. Modules 1-3 are available now, with more modules in the series on the way.

Even with high quality instruction, students can’t learn what they can’t access. To support providers in ensuring access for learners who are deaf/hard of hearing, The Outreach Center teamed up with Montgomery County ESC to walk through the Functional Listening Evaluation in an on-demand module with step-by-step instructions, video-based demonstrations, and case studies to apply your learning. If you have any questions on available resources or support for educators, please contact us at [email protected].
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