What is the primary purpose of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?

The primary purpose of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is to ensure that children with disabilities have the opportunity to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE). This federal law mandates that public schools must provide special education services tailored to the individual needs of students with disabilities. Under IDEA, schools are required to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each eligible student, detailing the specific services, goals, and accommodations necessary to support their educational progress.

This focus on free appropriate public education reflects the commitment to providing equitable access to education for all students, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. It represents a shift in educational philosophy toward inclusion and the recognition that students with disabilities can succeed academically when provided with the necessary resources and support.

The other options, while they address important areas in education and healthcare, do not directly capture the central focus of IDEA. The act specifically aims to protect the educational rights of students with disabilities, making access to FAPE its cornerstone.