What is IDEA? (Part 1)

The use of jargon in special education and early intervention is overwhelming for parents and many non-special educators.  For example, how many of you know what IDEA stands for?  It is the current term for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.  

“The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is a piece of American legislation that ensures students with a disability are provided with Free Appropriate Public Education that is tailored to their individual needs. IDEA was previously known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act from 1975 to 1990.”  Wikipedia

Public lawPub.L. 101-476

U.S.C. sections amended1400 et seq

Long titleIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act

Acts amendedEducation for All Handicapped Children Act

Enacted bythe 101st United States Congress

Titles amended20

Statutes at Large104 Stat. 1142