Opinion ID: 6986365
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: “Adverse Effect” Measured by Effect on Basic Skills

Text: The defendants contend that J.D. did not meet the “adverse effect” eligibility criterion under Rule 2362(1). Relying on the list of basic skills in Rule 2362(3), the defendants argue that J.D.’s emotional disability had no adverse effect on his educational performance because he consistently performed at or above the level of his age cohorts in each of the enumerated areas. J.D., on the other hand, points out that Rule 2362(3) states that the list of basic skills is used to determine eligibility for special education, “unless otherwise stated in an individual category of disability (Rule 2362.1).” J.D. interprets Rule 2362(3) to mean that the basic skills enumerated therein do not apply to a student, such as himself, who has a disability enumerated in Rule 2362.1. In lieu of the 2362(3) factors, J.D. argues that we should look to Rule 2362.1 for indicators of adverse effect. Rule 2362.1, entitled “Categories of Disability,” states that “[t]he existence of one or more of the following categories of disability shall be established according to the criteria set forth below.” Included among the categories is “emotional-behavioral disability”: An emotional-behavioral disability shall be identified by the occurrence of one or more of the following conditions exhibited over a long period of time and to a marked degree: 2. An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers; 3. Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances; 4. A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression!.] VSER 2362.1(l)(h). J.D. argues that the 2362.1(l)(h) list, not the 2362(3) list, must be used to discern whether his emotional-behavioral disability has caused an adverse effect. Based on the language and structure of the VSER, we have no choice but to reject J.D.’s interpretation. First, Rule 2362.1(l)(h) provides that the criteria set forth therein shall be used to establish “the existence of’ a covered disability (ie., the first eligibility criterion under Rule 2362(1)), not the presence of an adverse effect on educational performance (ie., the second eligibility criterion under Rule 2362(1)). This is confirmed by Rule 2362(l)(a) (existence of a disability), which specifically cross-references Rule 2362.1. In contrast, Rule 2362(l)(b) (adverse effect) does not cross-reference Rule 2362.1. Second, Rule 2362.1(l)(c), which defines the disability of visual impairment, expressly states: “For the purposes of this disability, mobility and orientation skills shall also be considered to be basic skills.” Such modification of the 2362(3) list of basic skills is what is meant by the phrase “unless otherwise stated in an individual category of disability” in Rule 2362(3). Thus, the district court correctly evaluated the effect of J.D.’s emotional-behavioral disability on his educational performance by reference to the basic skills in Rule 2362(3).