Identification: The determination that a child should be evaluated as a possible candidate for special education services.

Imitation: The ability to observe the actions of others and to copy them in one's own actions. Also known as modeling.

In Utero: Referring to the period during fetal development in the mother's uterus.

Inclusion: The practice of including a child with special needs in a classroom alongside typically developing students. Classroom aides or assistants may help the child participate or adapt activities for him.

Incontinence: Lack of bladder or bowel control.

Individualized Education Program (IEP): The written plan that describes a child's special education goals, as well as what services the local education agency has agreed to provide, in what setting.

Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP): The written document describing services, provides, locations and goals for services and supports provided to the child and family. The IFSP is prepared by a team to include the infant's or toddler's family and all service providers (including the child care provider). Services are to be family-focused and provided in the "natural environment, including home and community settings in which the infant or toddler with disabilities participate."

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): The federal law that guarantees children with disabilities the right to free, appropriate public education (FAPE). This law requires public schools to make available to all children with disabilities FAPE in the least restrictive environment appropriate to their individuals needs. IDEA requires public school systems to develop appropriate IEP's for each child. The specific special education and related services outlined in each IEP reflect the
individualized needs of each student. IDEA also mandates that particular procedures be followed in the development of the
IEP. Each student's IEP must be developed by a team of knowledgeable persons and must be at least reviewed annually.
The team includes the child's teacher; the parents; the child, if appropriate; an agency representative who

Infantile Myoclonic Seizures: In infants, sudden, brief, involuntary muscle contractions involving one or several muscle groups.

Inhibition: Movements and positioning which discourages muscle tightness; also decreasing the sensitivity of nervous tissue to stimulation.

Inhibitive casts: Cast fitted with a sole and raised ledge under the toes; used to inhibit muscle tightness and produce normal tone.

Input: Information that a person receives through any of the senses (vision, hearing, tough, feeling, smell.)

Intacranial: Within the skull.

Intelligent Quotient (I.Q.): A measure of cognitive ability based on specifically designed standardized tests.

Interagency Coordinating Councils: IDEA helps states develop and implement state-wide systems of coordinated, comprehensive, multidisciplinary, interagency programs providing appropriate early intervention services to all eligible children and their families. States must bring together a State Interagency Coordinating Council to design and oversee the state system. Similarly, local governments must have a coordinating council to ensure interagency collaboration at the local level.

Interdisciplinary Team: A team of professionals from different fields of expertise who evaluate a child and then develop a
comprehensive summary report of his or her strengths and needs.

Interpretive: The sessions during which parents and teacher review and discuss the results of a child's evaluation.

Intracerebral: Within the brain.

Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy: See Baclofen Pump.

Intrauterine Infection: Infection inside the uterus.

Inversion: When a part of the body turns in.

Involuntary Movements: Uncontrolled movements.

Ischemic Heart Disease: Impaired heart function due to a lack of blood supply and may result in a myocardial infection
(a "heart attack").