Which federal law mandates that students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE)?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that specifically mandates that students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). This law ensures that children with disabilities have access to the same educational opportunities as their non-disabled peers. It outlines the rights of students with disabilities, requiring schools to provide tailored educational services that meet their unique needs, thus enabling them to make meaningful progress in their education.

IDEA emphasizes the importance of individualized education programs (IEPs) that are designed collaboratively by educators, parents, and specialists to support the specific learning and developmental needs of each student with disabilities. This is a fundamental aspect of ensuring FAPE within the public education system.

Other laws have important roles as well; for example, the Rehabilitation Act mainly focuses on preventing discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs receiving federal assistance, while the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals from discrimination in various aspects of public life, including education. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) sets guidelines for federal funding for elementary and secondary schools, but it is not specifically focused on the rights of students with disabilities in the same way that IDEA is. Thus, IDEA is clearly the key legislation ensuring free and appropriate public education for students with disabilities