1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Special Education

IDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

by Sue Watson
for About.com

Definition: An act passed initially in 1975 mandating that children with special education needs have access to the same public school education that every other American student enjoys. All children with disabilities are to be educated to the "maximum extent" with children who do not have disabilities. -Federal Law I.D.E.A. Sec. 612.5 (A)

If a child has one or more of the following disabilities, the school district can obtain federal and state funding for services it provides for the child: Autism, Chronic or Acute Health, Cognitive Impairment, Learning Disabilities, Emotional/Behavior Disorders, Hearing and Visual Impairments, Traumatic Brain Injury.

Explore Special Education

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Special Education
  4. Special Education 101
  5. Special Ed. Acronyms
  6. IDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act >

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.