Skip to main content

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.

Upcoming Learning Opportunities from OCDBE, January 2023

CHARGE Syndrome with Susan Wiley, MD
Join us virtually on January 23, 2023 from 4:00 – 5:00 pm (ET) when Dr. Susan Wiley will be presenting CHARGE Syndrome: How Medical Needs Can Impact Development. For more information on the session, see the attached flyer. To register, click here.
 
 
The Fine Arts with Dr. Lyn Ayer
Pathways to Concept Development for Children who are Deafblind: The Fine Arts (4-part series).  This series is presented and facilitated by Dr. Lyn Ayer on the following dates: January 25, February 15, March 15, & April 26. All sessions will be held from 3:00 – 4:00 pm (ET). For more information on the series, see the attached flyer. To register, click here.
 
 
Jodi Dowell, TVI
Research Associate, Ohio Center for Deafblind Education (OCDBE)
University of Cincinnati Systems Development & Improvement Center
5080 Tuttle Crossing Ste. 325
Dublin OH 43107
304-593-9454
 

© 2023. State Support Team Region 12. All Rights Reserved.