The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a landmark federal law that ensures students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Enacted in 1975 and reauthorized multiple times, IDEA mandates that schools provide individualized education programs (IEPs) tailored to meet each student’s unique needs. The law outlines key provisions, including early intervention services, procedural safeguards for parents, and access to necessary supports and accommodations. IDEA also emphasizes collaboration between educators, families, and specialists to ensure students with disabilities have access to the same educational opportunities as their non-disabled peers. This legal framework plays a critical role in promoting inclusive practices and protecting the rights of students with disabilities.