Which federal law ensures services and support for students with disabilities?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that specifically ensures services and support for students with disabilities. It mandates that public schools provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to eligible children with disabilities, ensuring they receive specialized instruction and related services tailored to their individual needs. This law emphasizes the importance of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which outlines specific educational goals, services, and accommodations necessary for students to thrive in an educational setting.

IDEA serves not only to promote academic success but also to ensure that students with disabilities are integrated into the general education environment to the maximum extent appropriate, fostering their social and emotional development alongside their academic growth. The focus of this law is on providing the necessary supports to allow students with disabilities to access the general curriculum and participate fully in school activities.