What is the name of the federal law that mandates a free appropriate public education (FAPE)?

• A. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• B. Family and Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• C. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• D. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Answer: (A)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that mandates a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for children with disabilities. Under IDEA, public schools are required to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) tailored to meet the unique educational needs of each child with a disability. This ensures that students receive not only access to education but also the supports and services necessary to participate meaningfully in the educational environment.

The importance of this law lies in its foundational principle that every child, regardless of their disability, should have the opportunity to receive an education that is equitable and prepares them for future opportunities. IDEA is essential in promoting inclusion within schools and addresses specifically the educational rights of children with disabilities by outlining requirements around identification, evaluation, and the provision of supports.

While other laws, such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, also address the rights of individuals with disabilities, they do not specifically mandate FAPE within the educational context as IDEA does. FERPA focuses on privacy rights related to student education records, and the ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability in various areas, including employment and public services, but does not specifically dictate educational provisions like FAPE.