IDEAs purpose is to give all children the

right to an equal education. The law reflects

societys concern about treating people with
disabilities as full citizens with the same
rights and privileges all other citizens enjoy.
( Heward, 2013)

Creation of IDEAThe Individuals

with Disabilities Act was created to provide
equal access to educational opportunities for
all children with disabilities. Starting in the
1950s, with civil rights, lawsuits challenging
unequal educational rights came into light in
the United States. Special education was
strongly influenced by these developments. In
1975, Congress passed the Public Law 94-142,
the Education for All Handicapped Children
Act. Since then, many amendments have been
made and in 1990, the name changed to
Individuals with Disabilities Act.

MAJOR PRINCIPLES of IDEA:

1- Zero Reject
2- Nondiscriminatory Evaluation
3- Free Appropriate Public
Education
4- Least Restrictive Environment
5- Procedural Safeguards
6- Parent Participation and
Shared Decision Making

LAWS & CONNECTIONS TO SPECIAL

EDUCATION:
GT Legislation- The Jacob K. Javits Gifted & Talented
Student Education Act (1988), is the only federal program
that addresses the needs of the nations gifted and
talented students. It helps provide for students who are
underrepresented in special education programs.
Section 504- This is of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
stating no otherwise qualified handicapped individual
shallsolely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from
the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be
subject to discrimination under any program or activity
receiving federal financial assistance. (Heward, 2013) It
expands opportunities to children and adults with
disabilities.
Americans with Disabilities Act- The major provisions of
ADA for persons with a disability, fall under employment
(hiring process and advancement), public entities
(accessible public transportation), public
accommodations and commercial facilities (public places
made accessible), and telecommunications
(communication for deaf or hard of hearing). This act
protects and provides for children and adults who suffer
from
from disabilities
disabilit. or impairments.
No Child Left Behind- Renamed in 2001, this acts intent is
to improve the achievement of all students, especially in
reading and math. Schools are held accountable for all
students, including those with disabilities, to help result
in higher expectations of achievement. Accommodations
and alternative assessments are provided if needed.
Heward, W. L. (2013). Exceptional Children: Pearson
New International Edition An Introduction to Special
Education. (10th ed., international ed.). Harlow:
Pearson.

INDIVIDUALS
WITH
DISABILITIES
EDUCATION
ACT (IDEA)
EDUC K306
By: Tammy Hensley and Lainey Losekamp