What legislation governs the educational rights of students with disabilities?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the legislation that specifically governs the educational rights of students with disabilities. This federal law ensures that children with disabilities are provided a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that meets their unique needs. Under IDEA, eligible students are entitled to an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which outlines the specific educational goals and services that will be provided to support their learning.

IDEA focuses on special education services and defines the rights of children with disabilities in the primary and secondary education systems. It aims to guarantee that all children, regardless of their disabilities, have access to education that is tailored to their individual strengths and challenges. This legislation not only emphasizes academic opportunities but also mandates measures to prepare students for post-secondary education, employment, and independent living.

While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act both address rights related to disability and prohibit discrimination, they do not specifically detail the educational entitlements that students with disabilities receive under IDEA. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act provides accommodations and services in educational settings but does not offer the same level of specialized educational plans as IDEA. Thus, IDEA is the most directly relevant legislation concerning educational rights for students with disabilities.