What is the primary purpose of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?

The primary purpose of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is to ensure that all students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) that is tailored to their individual needs. This foundational principle is crucial as it guarantees that children with disabilities have access to educational opportunities that are comparable to those available to their non-disabled peers. Under IDEA, schools are required to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each eligible student, which outlines specific educational goals and the services necessary to meet those goals. The focus on individual needs emphasizes the importance of personalized support in achieving educational success for students with disabilities.

While additional funding for special education and testing requirements may be associated with IDEA, they are not its primary focus. The act centers on the educational access and accommodation that ensure each child can benefit from the educational experience. Similarly, IDEA does not mandate a standard curriculum for all students; instead, it allows for modifications and accommodations in the curriculum to meet the unique requirements of students with disabilities. Thus, the central theme of the law is about access to education that meets the specific needs of each child.