Supporting Your Child with Special Needs: Understanding IDEA

If you have a child with special needs you need to know about IDEA. In 2004 congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to ensure all children with disabilities receive a free, appropriate public education that meets their unique needs.

IDEA was designed to protect children with a variety of disabilities, including physical impairments (hearing, speech, sight, language, etc.), intellectual disabilities, developmental disorders, learning disabilities, and mental illness (referred to as “emotional disturbances”).

The law provides these students with access to special education and related services. Related services can include transportation and supportive services such as speech, physical therapy, occupational therapy, social work, nursing, counseling, and interpretation.

IDEA also provides for additional services. It requires that special education teachers be highly qualified. It requires schools provide aides when appropriate—whether that is a 1-1, small group, or classroom aide. It also mandates transition services.

States are eligible for federal funding to provide these services in public schools. However, students in private schools may also receive consultation, testing, and some services (such as speech). Occasionally public schools will refer students to private schools.

Under IDEA, public schools are required to place students in the “least restrictive environment.” In other words, schools must place disabled students in classrooms and settings with their non-disabled peers as much as possible. This is sometimes referred to as mainstreaming.

Schools are required to identify and evaluate all children with disabilities—including those who are homeschooled or attending private school. If parents request their child be evaluated for services, the school must do so in a timely manner (usually 60 days or less).

If it is determined there is a need, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed. This plan includes the child’s present levels of academic and functional performance, measurable annual goals, and a list of services and accommodations that will be provided.

The IEP is developed with a team that includes at minimum parents, a general education teacher, a special education teacher, a district representative, and school psychologist (or other eval interpreter). IEPs are revised annually and re-evaluated at least every three years. 

IDEA and IEPs are designed to protect students with disabilities. However, it is important that parents and caregivers understand the process. Knowing the rights children and parents possess under the law is critical to helping children achieve the education they deserve.