What does IDEA require schools to respect regarding the needs of children with disabilities?

IDEA emphasizes the importance of protecting the rights of children with disabilities by ensuring that they have access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE). This includes acknowledging their unique needs and ensuring they are provided with the necessary support and services to thrive academically and socially, regardless of their disability. The act mandates that schools consider the individual circumstances of each child, focusing on their rights and needs to facilitate their educational success.

The focus on the basic rights of children acknowledges their entitlement to participation in educational programs alongside their peers. It ensures that schools cannot discriminate based on disability status and must take proactive measures to accommodate these children. Hence, respecting the basic rights of children with disabilities is foundational to IDEA, providing a legal framework for fair treatment and access to educational resources.