Education - IEP

History and Law
In Individualized Education Program, commonly referred to as an IEP, is mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a United States federal law that governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to children with disabilities. It addresses the educational needs of children with disabilities from birth to age 18 or 21.

Before IDEA of 1990, there was Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law designed to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Section 504 guarantees certain rights to individuals with disabilities, including the right to full participation and access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to all children regardless of the nature or severity of the disability.

Free Appropriate Public Education, or FAPE, is an educational right of children with disabilities in the United States that is guaranteed by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Under Section 504, FAPE is defined as “the provision of regular or special education and related aids and services that are designed to meet individual needs of handicapped persons as well as the needs of non-handicapped persons are met and based on adherence to procedural safeguards outlined in the law.”

IEP
An IEP is meant to ensure that students receive an appropriate placement, not "only" special education classrooms or special schools. It is meant to give the student a chance to participate in "normal" school culture and academics as much as is possible for that individual student.

This vague statement leaves much to interpretation and can create problems. It's best to know the law and keep a level head when advocating for your child's education.

Private schools in the US are not governed by IDEA or 504 unless they accept funding from the US government.

Even if a child with a disability is suspended from school he/or she is to have their IEP executed.

An IEP is a constantly-changing document according to your child's needs and goals. Nothing is set in stone.

The student should be present at each IEP meeting.

Useful Links
U.S. Department of Education IEP Page Click here

U.S. Department of Education IDEA Page Click here

Wrightslaw - Special Education Law and Advocacy. For parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys. Accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities. Click here

IEP Mentors Click here

The Families and Advocates Partnership for Education (FAPE) Click here

Kathie Snow has a good IEP section in her book Disability is Natural.

Book Click here

Website Click here

Some things to think about:
“Inclusion does not mean fitting students with special needs into regular schools. Inclusion means creating schools where everyone fits.” -Dr. Marti Snell

"Special Education is a service not a place."

Do you want your child to start the climb up the never ending special services ladder? The one ever growing ladder that leads to segregation and dependency? If your child starts in special preschool they're most likely never to be included in a regular classroom. It's very hard to step off the ladder. Long term goals for adult life need to be set in IEPs early as possible. Think about these goals when creating an IEP with disabilities: Preparation for employment, or college, or independent living.

If the child with a disability is included in regular classes: Special accommodations do not mean freebies or a free pass to a diploma. Make sure you know what your child will be earning, a regular or modified diploma.