Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), to be eligible for special education and related services, a student must meet the federal definition of a disability. There are specific categories of disability under IDEA. Special education and related services will be made available to all eligible students ages 3 - 21 (services will be made available to eligible students on their third birthday). Children who have been identified as having a hearing or visual impairment are eligible for special education services at birth.