What is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law in the United States that ensures that all students with disabilities are provided with a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. It is a civil rights law that protects the rights of students with disabilities to an equal education that meets their individual needs. IDEA requires school districts to identify, evaluate, and provide services to children with disabilities. It also requires schools to create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each student with a disability. IEPs are created by the school team, with the parent, and include a plan for what services the student will receive, such as special education or related services. It also includes a statement of the child’s present level of educational performance and measurable annual goals. IDEA also requires schools to provide due process rights to parents of students with disabilities. This means that parents have the right to disagree with the school’s decisions concerning their child’s education and can request a hearing or a mediation session with the school district. The goal of IDEA is to make sure all students with disabilities have access to a free, appropriate public education that meets their needs.

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