It's a Great I.D.E.A: Introduction to the Individuals with Disability Education Act & it's Purpose

In this overview, participants will learn about the thirteen disability categories covered under IDEA and how each part of IDEA (A, B, C & D), deals with a specific area of the law. This presentation will also provide a glimpse at the IDEA's six major principles, focusing on students' rights and the responsibilities of public schools to children with disabilities. And, don't miss the following six-part series, where we provide more in-depth information on each principle and links to our FND tip sheets, state publications, national guidance papers, and lots of supplemental information.

1. It's a Great I.D.E.A: The Right of Students with Disabilities to Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

The right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) is an educational entitlement of all students in the United States, guaranteed by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Participants will learn what FAPE requires to see if their child qualifies for special education services.

2. It's a Great I.D.E.A: The Right of Students with Disabilities to Free Appropriate Evaluation

Before receiving special education services, it's required that your child have an appropriate evaluation. Participants will learn about parental consent before they can evaluate the student and the questions they can ask.

3. It's a Great I.D.E.A:The Right of Students with Disabilities to an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), children with disabilities have th right to a free and appropriate public education. In other words, public schools are required to provide special education to meet the individual needs of each child, free of charge, until the age of 21. (or 22nd birthdate) Participants will learn what is involved in a child meeting criterion for these specialized, tailored education services, which includes services (such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, social work, special resource room), monitoring of progress, and annual goals.

4. It's a Great I.D.E.A: The Right of Students with Disabilities to Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Process

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA says that children who receive special education should learn in the least restrictive environment. Participants will learn what this means and how students should spend as much time as possible in the general education classroom.

5. It's a Great I.D.E.A: The Power of Parent Participation

One of IDEA's principles is the right of parents to participate in educational decision-making regarding their child with a disability. In this workshop, participants learn how very specific IDEA is concerning what school systems must do to ensure that parents can participate if they so choose.

6. It's a Great I.D.E.A:Procedural Safeguards

IDEA establishes procedural safeguards to help parents and students enforce their rights under federal law. Participants will learn how these safeguards protect parental access to information pertaining to the placement, the transition planning, and the procedures that are put in place to resolve disagreements between parents and schools regarding the placement of a student.