The table below is intended to support credential analysts in determining which authorizations align with Special Education disability categories. Note, the table includes only currently issued documents.

Credentials and authorization codes currently issued by the Commission can be found in the Authorization Sort Table.

Additional resources:

Disability CategoryCredentials Authorizing Disability CategoryNotes
Autism

Education Specialist Instruction Credential:

  • Early Childhood Special Education*
  • Moderate/Severe Disabilities

Education Specialist Added Authorization:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders

Speech Language Pathology Services Credential:

  • Special Class Authorization

*Early Childhood Special Education is restricted to students birth through pre-kindergarten who are eligible for early intervention special education and related services

Deaf-Blindness

Education Specialist Instruction Credential:

  • Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing
  • Visual Impairments
  • Moderate/Severe Disabilities

Education Specialist Added Authorization:

  • Deaf-Blind

Deafness/Hearing Impairment

Education Specialist Instruction Credential:

  • Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing

Emotional Disturbance

Education Specialist Instruction Credential:

  • Mild/Moderate Disabilities
  • Moderate/Severe Disabilities
  • Early Childhood Special Education*

Education Specialist Added Authorization:

  • Emotional Disturbance
*Early Childhood Special Education is restricted to students birth through pre-kindergarten who are eligible for early intervention special education and related services
Established Medical Disability

Education Specialist Instruction Credential:

  • Physical and Health Impairments
  • Early Childhood Special Education*
*Early Childhood Special Education is restricted to students birth through pre-kindergarten who are eligible for early intervention special education and related services
Hard-of-Hearing

Education Specialist Instruction Credential:

  • Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing
Intellectual Disability

Education Specialist Instruction Credential:

  • Mild/Moderate Disabilities
  • Moderate/Severe Disabilities
  • Early Childhood Special Education*
*Early Childhood Special Education is restricted to students birth through pre-kindergarten who are eligible for early intervention special education and related services
Multiple Disabilities

Education Specialist Instruction Credential:

  • Physical and Health Impairments
  • Moderate/Severe Disabilities
  • Early Childhood Special Education*
*Early Childhood Special Education is restricted to students birth through pre-kindergarten who are eligible for early intervention special education and related services
Orthopedic Impairment

Education Specialist Instruction Credential:

  • Physical and Health Impairments

Education Specialist Added Authorization:

  • Orthopedic Impairment
Other Health Impairment

Education Specialist Instruction Credential:

  • Mild/Moderate Disabilities
  • Physical and Health Impairments
  • Early Childhood Special Education*

Education Specialist Added Authorization:

  • Other Health Impairment
*Early Childhood Special Education is restricted to students birth through pre-kindergarten who are eligible for early intervention special education and related services
Specific Learning Disability

Education Specialist Instruction Credential:

  • Mild/Moderate Disabilities
  • Early Childhood Special Education*
*Early Childhood Special Education is restricted to students birth through pre-kindergarten who are eligible for early intervention special education and related services
Speech or Language Impairment

Education Specialist Instruction Credential:

  • Language and Academic Development

Speech Language Pathology Services Credential:

  • Special Class Authorization
Traumatic Brain Injury

Education Specialist Instruction Credential:

  • Physical and Health Impairments
  • Early Childhood Special Education*

Education Specialist Added Authorization:

  • Traumatic Brain Injury
*Early Childhood Special Education is restricted to students birth through pre-kindergarten who are eligible for early intervention special education and related services
Visual Impairment

Education Specialist Instruction Credential:

  • Visual Impairments
Updated September 21, 2021