What is FAPE?

Under IDEA, public schools are required to provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to all students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment (LRE), which means that schools must place children with disabilities in a classroom with their nondisabled peers to the greatest extent that is appropriate. FAPE is delivered through an individualized education program (IEP) — which includes annual goals, progress monitoring, accommodations and modifications, related services such as speech and occupational therapy, and more — that meets the unique needs of the child so they can achieve success in school and be prepared for continuing education, employment, and independent living.

In this clip, Dr. Sarah Pelangka explains how FAPE helps protect the rights of students with disabilities: