IDEA The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Another assignment for Ed Tech. This is a synopsis of The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), in my own words, with links.

Beverly Chick
EDTECH 202

IDEA (The Individual with Disabilities Education Act)

The IDEA is a federal law enacted in 1990 and reauthorized in 1997. It deals with the rights of students with disabilities by ensuring that every student receives free appropriate public education (FAPE) regardless of ability. Special education services include speech or physical therapy, assistive technology, transition services and any other specialized services that would be required. IDEA also encourages parental participation, defines the specific responsibilities of the parents and provides protection for students.

The Individual with Disabilities Education Act is for children between the ages of 3 and 21 who required special education services because of a disability. The categories of disabilities are autism, blindness, hearing impaired, orthopedic impairment, serious emotional disturbance, specific learning disabilities, mental retardation, and other health impairments.

There is no cost for services provided under IDEA. An individual Education Plan (IEP) is implemented based on the specific needs of the child. Children covered under an IEP are evaluated at least every three years for changes in placement or transferring from grade to grade.

Some of the responsibilities IDEA outlines for parents are 1) Stay informed; 2) Understand your child’s IEP; 3) Speak with your child’s teacher; 4) Get it in writing; 5) Know your rights; 6) Play an active role in preparing your child’s IEP or Section 504 plan; 7) Keep careful records; 8) Try to maintain a good working relationship with the school; 9) Communicate; and 10) Encourage your child

Other Web Sites and Links:

IDEA & U.S. Dept of Education
www.idea.ed.gov

Families and advocates Partnership for Education
www.fape.org

IDEA Practices
www.ideapractices.org

A Guide to the Individualized Education Plan (IEP www.ed.gov/parents/needs/iepguide

www.help4adhd.org