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

• A. To ensure children have access to educational resources
• B. To ensure that children with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE)
• C. To provide funding for special education programs
• D. To establish a national curriculum for special education

Answer: (B)

The primary purpose of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is to ensure that children with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE). This legislation is pivotal in establishing the right for students with disabilities to receive education tailored to their individual needs, which is necessary for their development and integration into society. FAPE mandates that public schools provide specially designed instruction and related services to help these students achieve educational standards that are commensurate with their non-disabled peers.

IDEA emphasizes the importance of individualized education plans (IEPs), which outline the specific educational goals and services that a child requires. This focus on tailored education helps support students’ unique needs, facilitating their access to the general education curriculum and promoting their academic success.

While providing access to educational resources, funding for special education programs, and establishing guidelines for special education can be components of the broader context of special education, the critical aspect of IDEA is the explicit guarantee of an appropriate educational experience that is accessible and equitable for children with disabilities.