What law mandates that students with disabilities must have access to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the law that specifically mandates that students with disabilities are entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). This legislation ensures that eligible children with disabilities receive special education and related services tailored to their individual needs, allowing them to access the same educational opportunities as their non-disabled peers. IDEA establishes clear requirements for schools to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that outlines the specific services and support each child needs in order to succeed academically and socially.

In contrast, while The Rehabilitation Act focuses on the rights of individuals with disabilities in various areas, including employment and access to programs, it does not specifically enforce educational mandates like IDEA. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is broader in scope, prohibiting discrimination based on disability in various sectors, including public accommodations and transportation, but it does not address the educational rights or specify provisions for FAPE. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) deals with the privacy of student education records and does not pertain to special education services or the provision of FAPE.