The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is "a law in the United States that ensures students with disabilities receive special education services. [IDEA] requires that schools provide students with disabilities as a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment," (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 2004). 

Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) states, "it is required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and means that students with disabilities are entitled to a public education that is tailored to their individual needs and provided at no cost to the family," (Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, n.d.).

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is " a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. It requires schools to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities so that they can participate fully in educational programs and activities" (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 1973).