What does the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act primarily address?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) primarily addresses access to education for individuals with disabilities. This landmark legislation ensures that eligible children with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that is tailored to their individual needs. IDEA mandates that schools provide educational services and support, ensuring that children with disabilities have the same opportunities to succeed in the educational system as their peers without disabilities.

Under IDEA, parents are involved in the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that outline specific educational goals and the services necessary for achieving them. The focus is on enabling students with disabilities to participate fully in the general education curriculum and preparing them for further education, employment, and independent living. This fundamental emphasis on educational accessibility distinguishes IDEA from other important laws that may address transportation, employment, or housing for individuals with disabilities.