IDEA guarantees US children with disabilities a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. Schools must develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) with parent participation.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.) ensures that children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education (FAPE) that emphasises special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs. Key provisions: **IEP**: Every eligible child must have an Individualized Education Program — a written plan developed by a team including parents, teachers, and specialists — specifying the child's present levels, annual goals, services to be provided, and accommodations. **Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)**: Children with disabilities must be educated with non-disabled children to the maximum appropriate extent. **Eligibility**: Children aged 3–21 who have one of 13 disability categories (autism, learning disability, emotional disturbance, hearing/vision impairment, intellectual disability, etc.) that adversely affects educational performance. **Parental rights**: Parents must consent to evaluations and IEP placement; they can request independent educational evaluations; and they can request a due process hearing if they disagree with the school's decisions. **Procedural safeguards**: Schools must provide written notice of any proposed changes; parents can invoke mediation or due process hearing at no cost.
A parent believes her child's school is not providing the speech therapy services listed in the IEP. She files a state complaint with the state education agency. The state investigates and orders the district to provide the missing services and compensatory education.
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