Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (formerly called P.L. 94-142
or the Education for all Handicapped Children Act of 1975) requires public schools
to make available to all eligible children with disabilities a free appropriate
public education in the least restrictive environment appropriate to their
individual needs.
IDEA requires public school systems to develop appropriate Individualized Education
Programs (IEP's) for each child. The specific special education and related services
outlined in each IEP reflect the individualized needs of each student.
IDEA also mandates that particular procedures be followed in the development of
the IEP. A team of knowledgeable must develop each student’s IEP
persons and must be at least reviewed annually. The team includes the child's
teacher; the parents, subject to certain limited exceptions; the child, if
determined
appropriate; an agency representative who is qualified to provide or supervise
the provision of special education; and other individuals at the parents' or
agency's discretion.
If parents disagree with the proposed IEP, they can request a due process
hearing and a review from the State educational agency if applicable in that
state.
They also can appeal the State agency's decision to State or Federal court.
For more information, contact:
