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What is I.D.E.A.?
I.D.E.A., Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act also known as P.L.108-446 is a Federal program which
provides funds to states and local education agencies (school districts)
to support education for children with disabilities age 3 to 21, this is
part B and Part C provides funds for states to support Early
Intervention services for children birth to age 3.
What I.D.E.A. does is provide guidelines
and protections for children to assure their right to a free and
appropriate public education. The principle of the law is that children
with disabilities should not be denied the same opportunities offered to
everyone else, everyone gets access to public education and therefore so
should children with disabilities.
When a child meets the disability
requirements of the law, and who by reason thereof needs special
education and related services, the school districts are obligated to
prepare and implement an Individualized Education Program (IEP) designed
to meet the unique needs of the child. Identifying students in need of
special education and related services is also a requirement of the law.
Special education is a service, and includes related services a child
may need to achieve their individual goals (regardless if the child's
placement is in the regular class or a self-contained class). The school
district remains responsible for providing the student with the supports
and services they need without exception.
Links to IDEA information and
resources
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