Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
United States Congress
Long title Education for All Handicapped Children Act
Enacted by	United States Congress
Enacted	1975

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a United States federal law that ensures students with a disability are provided with Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that is tailored to their individual needs. Originally enacted in 1975 as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, the law was reauthorized and expanded in several subsequent amendments, with significant revisions in 1990, 1997, and 2004.

History

The IDEA was initially passed in 1975 as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. Before this law, many children with disabilities were denied access to education and opportunities to learn. In response to advocacy by parents and disability rights activists, the law established the basic rights for children with disabilities to receive a public education.

Key Provisions

The IDEA includes several key provisions:

• Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): Ensures that children with disabilities receive education and services without cost to the family.
• Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): Requires that students with disabilities be educated with their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.
• Individualized Education Program (IEP): Mandates a written education plan, developed by a team, that is tailored to the individual student's needs.
• Procedural Safeguards: Provides detailed measures to protect the rights of children with disabilities and their parents.

Impact

The enactment of IDEA has had a profound impact on the education system in the United States. It has led to increased inclusion and access to education for millions of children with disabilities. Schools are required to evaluate students with disabilities and create an educational plan that aligns with their specific needs, providing necessary accommodations and modifications.

Amendments

The law has undergone several amendments to broaden its scope and address emerging needs:

• In 1990, the law was renamed as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
• The 1997 amendment added requirements for transition planning and increased focus on academic outcomes.
• The 2004 reauthorization, known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, emphasized alignment with the No Child Left Behind Act, accountability, and included provisions to reduce the disproportionate identification of minority students as disabled.

Current Challenges

Despite its successes, the implementation of IDEA faces challenges including funding, quality of services, and ensuring that the rights of children are adequately protected. There is ongoing debate about how best to meet the needs of students with disabilities in the face of budget constraints and varying local policies.

See Also

• Special Education
• Education in the United States
• Disability rights movement