OAR 581-015-2135
Communication Disorder
(1)
If a child is suspected of having a communication disorder, the following evaluation must be conducted:(a)
Speech-language assessment. A speech and language assessment administered by a speech and language pathologist licensed by a State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology or the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission, including:(A)
When evaluating syntax, morphology, semantics or pragmatics, a representative language sample and comprehensive standardized tests that assess expression and comprehension;(B)
When a voice disorder is suspected, a voice assessment scale; and(C)
When a fluency disorder is suspected, an observation in at least two settings;(b)
Medical or health assessment statement. For a child suspected of having a voice disorder, a medical statement by an otolaryngologist licensed by a State Board of Medical Examiners. For other than a voice disorder, if a medical or health diagnosis is needed, a medical statement or health assessment statement describing relevant medical issues;(c)
Hearing evaluation or screening. An evaluation or screening of the child’s hearing acuity and, if needed, a measure of middle ear functioning;(d)
Other.(A)
An evaluation of the child’s oral mechanism, if needed;(B)
Any additional assessments necessary to determine the impact of the suspected disability:(i)
On the child’s educational performance for a school-age child; or(ii)
On the child’s developmental progress for a preschool child; and(C)
Any additional evaluations or assessments necessary to identify the child’s educational needs.(2)
To be eligible as a child with a specific communication disorder, the child must meet the following minimum criteria:(a)
Voice disorder:(A)
The child demonstrates chronic vocal characteristics that deviate in at least one of the areas of pitch, quality, intensity or resonance;(B)
The child’s voice disorder impairs communication or intelligibility; and(C)
The child’s voice disorder is rated as moderate to severe on a voice assessment scale.(b)
Fluency disorder:(A)
The child demonstrates an interruption in the rhythm or rate of speech that is characterized by hesitations, repetitions, or prolongations of sounds, syllables, words or phrases;(B)
The child has a fluency disorder that interferes with communication and calls attention to itself across two or more settings; and(C)
The child demonstrates moderate to severe vocal dysfluencies or the child evidences associated secondary behaviors, such as struggling or avoidance as measured by a standardized measure.(c)
Phonological or articulation disorder:(A)
The child’s phonology or articulation is rated significantly discrepant as measured by a standardized test; and(B)
The disorder is substantiated by a language sample or other evaluation(s).(d)
Syntax, morphology, pragmatic or semantic disorder:(A)
The child’s language in the area of syntax, morphology, semantics or pragmatics is significantly discrepant as measured by standardized test(s) or other evaluation data; and(B)
The disorder is substantiated by a language sample or other evaluation(s).(C)
For a child to be eligible with a syntax, morphology, pragmatic or semantic disorder, the disorder is not the result of another disability.(3)
For a child to be eligible for special education services as a child with a communication disorder, the eligibility team must also determine that:(a)
The child’s disability has an adverse impact on the child’s educational performance; and(b)
The child needs special education services as a result of the disability.
Source:
Rule 581-015-2135 — Communication Disorder, https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/view.action?ruleNumber=581-015-2135
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