IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Most federal laws are reviewed every three years.  IDEA was reviewed and updated so many times to keep current with K-12 education, it eventually was titled as a new law.  Among its changes, it has roots in some huge systemic changes involving education for children with disabilities.  Keeping in mind the image of education leading to employment as a relay race, IDEA is the first leg of the relay race, establishing a plan for modifications of approved curriculum, placing the student in the least restrictive environment, and beginning the process of transition.

What does this mean for NPC?  College is preparation for employment and is the second and possibly, third leg of that relay race.  IEPs can be used as showing a history of receiving accommodations to qualify for services in college, but the services cannot be the same because the laws are different.

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. Each student’s IEP must be developed by a team of knowledgeable 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 the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services:

Call:

1-202-245-7459 (Voice/TTY)

Website:

U.S. Department of Education