What is IDEA?

Originally passed in 1975 under a different name, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that entitles every child with a disability to a free, appropriate public education (FAPE).

If the child meets the criteria for one or more of IDEA’s 13 qualifying disabilities, they are entitled to special education services.

IDEA requires school districts to identify and assess children who are suspected of having a disability (also called “child find”), including children who live in the district but do not attend public schools.

The law provides some federal funding to state and local education agencies to guarantee these services for eligible students:

• Part B provides funding and oversees or provides the structure for how services to students with disabilities are provided within the school system.
• Part C provides funding for early intervention.
• Part D provides discretionary grants for programs like parent information and training centers as well as research grants.