50 Years of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

It's hard to believe that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was signed into law (under a different name - the Education for All Handicapped Children Act) 50 years ago!

Prior to the enactment of IDEA, children with disabilities were often excluded from public schools. If they were allowed to attend, they did not receive accommodations that allowed them to access the instruction.

While we still have a long way to go with obtaining equal educational opportunities for children with disabilities, IDEA was a big leap in progress.

As a result of IDEA, children with disabilities:

• Have access to public schools and general education curriculum

• Receive accommodations and modifications based on their individual learning profiles

• Receive procedural safeguards and due process when schools do not follow IDEA

• Are eligible for services from ages 3 to 21

• Among many other important protections!

Parents of children with disabilities are also guaranteed a place at the table and must be a part of the child's Individualized Education Plan team.

If you are concerned that your child is not receiving the support they need, please reach out. Trailblazing Education LLC is here to help. We can provide guidance and resources tailored to your child's unique situation.