Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that ensures students with disabilities receive appropriate educational services. First enacted in 1975 as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, it has undergone several reauthorizations, with the most recent significant update in 2004.
IDEA’s primary purposes include:
Providing free appropriate public education (FAPE) to children with disabilities
Protecting the rights of children with disabilities and their parents
Assisting states and localities in providing education for all children with disabilities
Assessing and ensuring the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities
Key components of IDEA:
Individualized Education Program (IEP): A tailored plan for each student‘s specific needs
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): Educating students with disabilities alongside non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate
Due process: Procedures to resolve disputes between parents and schools
Early intervention services: Support for infants and toddlers with disabilities
IDEA covers 13 categories of disability, including autism, specific learning disabilities, speech or language impairments, and emotional disturbances. The act has significantly improved educational outcomes for millions of students with disabilities, promoting inclusion and equal opportunities in education.