What is IDEA?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 is commonly abbreviated IDEA 97. IDEA 97 is the law that requires education of all children with disabilities. Before IDEA 97, on November 19, 1975 Public Law 94-142 was enacted. PL 94-142 was also called the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975. This was the first major law to mandate a free and appropriate education for children with disabilities, the right to be educated in the least restrictive environment and hold local education agencies accountable for providing services. PL 94-142 was reauthorized in 1990 and renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The most recent reauthorization was in 1997 therefore we refer to the law as IDEA 97. IDEA 97 has four parts: Part A: General Provisions, Definitions and other Issues Part B: Assistance for education of All Children with Disabilities Part C: Infants & Toddlers with Disabilities Part D: National Activities to Improve education of Children with Disab
IDEA stands for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This federal law that provides the legal authority for early intervention and special educational services for children birth to age 21. Part B outlines services for children ages three to 21. Part C outlines services for children birth to age 3. Under this law, a child with disabilities is entitled to a Free and Appropriate Education in the least restrictive environment. In addition, the child is entitled to education supports specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the student as specified through an individualized education program.
