What is the IDEA, or the individuals with disabilities education act?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a four part (A-D) piece of legislation that ensures students with a disability are provided with a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that is tailored to their individual needs. IDEA was previously known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) from. In1990 Congress reauthorized EHA and changed the title to IDEA. Public Law No.94-142 (IDEA), is composed of four parts, the main two being part A and part B.[1] IDEA is composed of six main elements that illuminate the main points of IDEA. These six elements are: Individualized Education Program (IEP), Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), Appropriate Evaluation, Parent and Teacher Participation, and Procedural Safeguards. To go along with those six main elements there are also a few other important components that tie into IDEA: Confidentiality of Information, Transition Services, and Discipline. Throughout the years of IDEA being reauthorized these components have become key concepts when learning about IDEA.[2] Each part of the law have remained almost the same since the original enactment in1975. Part A covers the general provisions of the law, Part B covers assistance for education of all children with disabilities, Part C covers infants and toddlers with disabilities which includes children from birth to age three, and Part D is the national support programs administered at the federal level. Overall, the goal of IDEA is to provide children with disabilities the same opportunity for education as those students who do not have a disability. The tools and services provided by IDEA level the playing field for students who have disabilities.

IDEA or individuals with disabilities education act was first introduced in US Congress in1975. It has been amended for several times since then and is made more comprehensive. It's a detailed act having four parts but in short it safeguards the rights of public education for the people having disabilities in a way that meet their unique individual needs. It also guarantees their right of higher education to make them a useful citizen who can live at his own and can enjoy a free life.