The San Diego Unified School District is committed to providing young children and eligible students with disabilities a free and appropriate public education consistent with federal and state laws. These laws require the district to identify, locate and assess all students within the district from birth to 21 years of age who may have disabilities, and then provide appropriate programs and/or related services to those eligible. These services are provided based on the individual needs of the student and the recommendation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team, a legal document that describes how SDUSD provides services to students with exceptional needs.

Programs and services are provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which was signed into law in 1997. Legislation was signed in November 2004 reauthorizing it as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004. The delivery of special education services and programs in the San Diego Unified School District is described in the district's Local Plan for Special Education (which can be accessed on the districts web page, www.sandi.net.)

Individual Education Plan (IEP)
The San Diego Unified School District is committed to providing young children and eligible students with disabilities a free and appropriate public education consistent with federal and state laws. These laws require the district to identify, locate and assess all students within the district from birth to 21 years of age who may have disabilities, and then provide appropriate programs and/or related services to those eligible. These services are provided based on the individual needs of the student and the recommendation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team, a legal document that describes how SDUSD provides services to students with exceptional needs.

Programs and services are provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which was signed into law in 1997. Legislation was signed in November 2004 reauthorizing it as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004. The delivery of special education services and programs in the San Diego Unified School District is described in the district’s Local Plan for Special Education

If a student meets the eligibility criteria of any of the 13 disability areas (as defined by the federal and state regulations), and is in need of special education in order to benefit from the educational program, s/he is found eligible for special education.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has identified and defined the 13 disability categories. They are:

• Autism
• Deaf-Blindness
• Deafness
• Emotional Disturbance
• Hearing Impairment
• Mental Retardation
• Multiple Disabilities
• Orthopedic Impairment
• Other Health Impairment
• Specific Learning Disability
• Speech or Language Impairment
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Visual Impairment (including Blindness)

The district offers special education and services in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Part B of this act describes the process by which individuals between the ages of three to 21 years are determined to be eligible for special education services. This is a process that typically begins with a discussion with a teacher or teachers.

www.sandi.net/depts/specialed
Special Education Programs Division
Eugene Brucker Education Center
4100 Normal Street, Annex 6
San Diego, CA 92103-2682

(619) 725-7600 - Phone
(619) 725-7246 - Fax

The special education personnel assigned to Loma Portal implements all of the above in a timely fashion. Each member is happy to assist parents and students with individual needs. The school process for Special Education assessment follows all federal and state laws.

Due to yearly staff changes, questions concerning individual cases can be directed to the Loma Portal front office for referral to the appropriate staff member.