Students accepted into SLDS/ARAD are placed in various programs. Age is one factor in influencing their placement. Children from birth to three years of age are eligible for the part-time Early Intervention Program in SLDS. Children who are three years of age by September 1st are eligible to enter the preschool in SLDSl; while SLDS/ARAD accepts those who are five years of age by September 1st are eligible to enter the kindergarten class. First grade students must be six years of age by September 1st. Students are welcome to register anytime during the school year.

Specific to SLDS is the degree of visual impairment is a factor influencing placement. All SLDS students who enter the program must satisfy the following criteria for visual impairment:

• Visual acuity of 20/70 or less in the better eye or visual field loss in which the peripheral field is 20' or less

• A reduced acuity of better than 20/70 if the child also demonstrates symptoms such as nystagmus, high astigmatism, perceptual difficulties that interfere with learning. Students who are adjusting to sudden visual loss or eye surgery are admitted on a trial basis.

Although the majority of students at SLDS have visual impairment as their sole disability, children with mild secondary handicaps may be accepted into the program at the discretion of the principal and in consultation with the parents and teachers.  ARAD students need a report from an audiologist or the recommendation of their school district.