FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Regional Program’s role in my child’s education?
A: Some children with hearing impairments, vision impairments, autism spectrum disorders, severe orthopedic impairments, deaf-blindness and traumatic brain injury need specialized educational services. The primary responsibility for educating the child always remains with the local school district, but because these disabilities happen infrequently (low-incidence disabilities), the state of Oregon created Regional Programs to help identify and provide appropriate services to these children (from birth to age 21) and their families. Regional Programs work in collaboration with local school districts, Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) programs, families and community agencies.
Q. Who can refer my child for services?
A: The referral process is initiated by the local school district for school-age children and by the Early Intervention / Early Childhood Special Education provider in each county for children birth to kindergarten. If you believe your child is eligible for Regional Services, please contact your neighborhood school.
Q. How is Columbia Regional Program Funded?
A: CRP is state and federally funded.
Q. Who is eligible for CRP services?
A: Children from birth-to-age 21 who meet state eligibility requirements and need specialized services because of their low-incidence disability are eligible for support from the Regional Programs.
Q. How do I know if my child might be eligible for CRP Services?
A: Children must:
- Fall between ages birth to 21 and not yet have a standard high school diploma.
- Live in Clackamas, Hood River, Multnomah or Wasco counties.
- Meet specific state eligibility criteria in one or more of the low-incidence disability areas.
- Fulfill established state evaluation requirements. State Eligibility and Evaluation Requirements
Q. How is eligibility determined?
A: A team, consisting of the parents, local school district representatives and regional program specialists, makes this decision.
Q. What is an IEP?
A: IEP stands for Individualized Education Program. An IEP is required by law for any Oregon public school child who is identified as having a disability recognized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. School personnel first evaluate the child and identify a qualifying disability; they then develop the IEP to provide the child with specialized or individualized assistance in school.
Q. What is an IFSP?
A: IFSP stands for Individualized Family Service Plan. The IFSP is a requirement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and is similar to an ISP, but the IFSP deals with children with disabilities, age birth to kindergarten, and their families.
The IFSP is designed for the individual family’s unique concerns, priorities and resources. Family members and service providers work as a team to plan, implement, and evaluate the skills and services that can best help the child’s development.
Q. Where do students receive their services and supports?
A: The location and level of service is determined by the student’s IEP team.
Q. What is IDEA?
A: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This federal law directs how Oregon and the school district provide special education services to qualified students ages five-21. ODE Parental Rights Booklet
Q. What is 504?
A: Some students with disabilities, as defined by Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, qualify for reasonable accommodations and modifications to his/her academic and non-academic programs. These may be necessary to ensure that the student has equal access to his/her education.
Q. Who determines if my child has a disability?
A: The special education team at each school makes this decision. Parents must give permission for any necessary assessments.
Please contact us if you have additional questions.
Parents of special needs children have big challenges and lots of joys.
