What are the rights of children with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law designed to provide children with disabilities access to a free, appropriate public education. Under this law, children with disabilities are entitled to a range of rights. First, all children with disabilities have the right to a quality education that meets their individual needs. This includes special education services, such as additional instruction or assistive technology, to ensure the student can benefit as much as possible from their education. Second, children with disabilities have the right to a written Individualized Education Program (IEP) that meets their specific educational needs. This IEP must consider the student’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as the family’s concerns, and is designed to ensure the student can make meaningful educational progress. Third, children with disabilities have the right to participate in all school activities, including extracurricular activities, with reasonable accommodations. This could include extra time to finish an assignment/test or changes to the physical environment so the student can better access the activity. Finally, children with disabilities have the right to receive appropriate discipline. As per the IDEA, schools are required to modify the discipline methods they use with disabled students to ensure they are not treated unfairly. In California, these rights are further extended by the state’s Education Code and Special Education Regulations. Overall, the IDEA provides children with disabilities the basic rights to access a quality education and the appropriate supports to benefit from it.

Related FAQs

What is diversity training in the school setting?
What is the law on disability discrimination in the education setting?
What are the legal obligations of schools and school districts under Title IX?
What is the role of teachers' unions in education law?
What are the rights of students with disabilities in the school setting?
What is the legal status of homeschooling?
What are school safety laws?
What is religious liberty in the school setting?
What is the role of the Supreme Court in education law?
What is the difference between religious and secular education?

What are the rights of children with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts