Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (formerly called P.L. 94-142 or the Education for all Handicapped Children Act of 1975) requires public schools to make available to all eligible children with disabilities a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment appropriate to their individual needs.

IEP Requirements

IDEA requires public school systems to develop appropriate Individualized Education Programs (IEP's) for each child. The specific special education and related services outlined in each IEP reflect the individualized needs of each student.

IDEA also mandates that particular procedures be followed in the development of the IEP. Each student's IEP must be developed by a team of knowledgeable persons and must be at least reviewed annually. The team includes the child's teacher; the parents, subject to certain limited exceptions; the child, if determined appropriate; an agency representative who is qualified to provide or supervise the provision of special education; and other individuals at the parents' or agency's discretion.

How to file an IEP complaint

What is IDEA?
If parents disagree with the proposed IEP, they can request a due process hearing and a review from the State educational agency if applicable in that state. They also can appeal the State agency's decision to State or Federal court. For more information, contact:

Office of Special Education Programs
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
U.S. Department of Education
330 C Street, S.W. (Room 3086)
Washington, D.C. 20202
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html
(202) 245-7459 (voice/TTY)

Topic Editor: Steven C. Schachter, M.D.
Last Reviewed:12/15/06