The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law in the United States that ensures students with disabilities are provided with Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that is tailored to their individual needs. Enacted in 1975 and formerly known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, IDEA requires public schools to offer special education services and accommodations to eligible children from ages 3 to 21.
Key provisions of IDEA include:
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): Schools must provide an education that is personalized to meet the unique needs of the student without cost to the family.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): Students with disabilities should be educated with their non-disabled peers to the greatest extent appropriate.
Individualized Education Program (IEP): Each student covered under IDEA must have an IEP, a document developed for each public school child who needs special education. The IEP outlines specific educational goals and the services the child will receive.
Parent and Teacher Collaboration: IDEA ensures that parents and teachers collaborate in the decision-making process regarding the student's education and the special services they require.
Procedural Safeguards: Parents and students are provided with certain procedural rights including the right to review educational records, participate in meetings, and appeal decisions.
Early Intervention Services: For children under the age of three, IDEA provides early intervention services which may include speech therapy, physical therapy, and other developmental services.
This act is crucial for addressing the educational needs of children with disabilities and ensuring they receive adequate opportunities to learn in an environment suited to their needs.
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