INIDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT

Congress originally enacted Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1985 to ensure children with disabilities had access to the free public education that their peers received.

IDEA provides services such as special education to address students' needs, and it works to help get students with disabilities prepared to enter the workforce and live independent lives.

State and public agencies must abide by IDEA when providing early intervention and special education services to eligible students.