The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that has been in effect since 1975. It requires public schools to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to eligible students ages 3-21 with disabilities. IDEA also provides legal protections for these students and their parents. Special education, as defined by IDEA, means instruction that is specially designed to meet the unique needs of a student with a disability. To be eligible for special education services under IDEA, a student must have a disability as defined by one or more of the 13 IDEA disability categories and require special education services
. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to eligible infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities
. It is an important law that provides rights and protections to children with disabilities, covering them from birth through high school graduation or age 21
