Understanding IDEA: Your Child’s Rights in Special Education
For much of our nation’s history, children with disabilities were excluded from public schools entirely. It wasn’t until 1975 that federal law guaranteed all children, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), the right to a public education.
On November 29, 1975, Congress passed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142). This groundbreaking law ensured that children with disabilities could attend public school and receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) —learning alongside peers whenever possible.
To receive special education services, a student must first participate in a comprehensive educational evaluation. If the evaluation shows that the child needs specialized instruction to access education, the student is found eligible for special education. At that point, the school team—together with the parent—develops an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that outlines the child’s unique strengths, needs, services, and goals for learning and growth.
As our understanding of disability and inclusion evolved, so did the law. On October 30, 1990, this federal legislation was renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)—the law that continues to protect students with disabilities today.
Under IDEA:
- Infants and toddlers (birth through age 2) and their families receive early intervention services under IDEA Part C.
- Children and youth ages 3 through 21 receive special education and related services through IDEA Part B.
Why the Principles of IDEA Matter for Parents
As a parent of a child with IDD, understanding IDEA is one of the most powerful tools you have. IDEA is built on six core principles that define your child’s rights and your role as an equal partner in their education.
To support families, we’ve created a self-guided video training series that clearly explains each of the six principles of IDEA—what they are, why they matter, and how they show up in your child’s IEP and school experience.
Start by watching the introductory video below, then use the links to explore each principle at your own pace. Each video is short, ranging from 3 minutes to 5 minutes.
The 6 Principles of IDEA
(Each principle listed below links to a short video, a transcript, and additional resources)
- Eligibility
Who qualifies for special education under IDEA and why eligibility matters. - Evaluation
The process schools use to identify your child’s strengths, needs, and support requirements. - The IEP (Individualized Education Program)
How the IEP is developed and how it guides your child’s education. - Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
Ensuring your child is educated alongside peers without disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate. - Parent and Student Participation
Your right—and responsibility—to be an active, equal member of the IEP team. - Procedural Safeguards
The legal protections that ensure your child’s rights are respected and disputes can be resolved.
