Definitions & History

Result of ... the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, “IDEA” -- 1990

• All public schools that accept federal monies are subject to the "IDEA". 

Students with disabilities receive a “free and appropriate public education” (“FAPE”) in the least restrictive setting, and the specialized instruction and individualized services and supports that meet the student’s unique needs. 

To be eligible for services under IDEA, a student must have at least one of the 13 diagnoses or a related condition as specified in this law: 

- autism 

- hearing impairment 

- deafness 

- deaf-blind 

- intellectual disability 

- multiple disabilities [non-categorical delays] 

- orthopedic impairment 

- other health impairment 

- serious emotional disturbance 

- specific learning disability 

- speech or language impairment 

- traumatic brain injury 

- visual impairment, including blindness

What's the general process of developing and following an IEP plan?

• With parent permission, an evaluation is done to determine eligibility of services.  Evaluation must be done within 60 calendar days.  IEP team meeting must occur within 30 calendar days of determining eligibility of services.

• There are strict legal requirements for IEP team membership.  It must include the parents, at least one special education teacher , at least one general education teacher, a specialist who can interpret evaluation results, a school representative with authority over the special education services, and whenever appropriate, the student. 

What happens as a result of an IEP plan?

• provide an educational benefit to that student that focuses on "educational support" and prepares the student for “further education, employment and independent living.”

• Plans are reviewed each year.

• Re-evaluation occurs every 3 years.