ELIJAH'S PLACE ADVOCACY GROUP

STUDENTS WITH EXCEPTIONALITIES DESERVE A FREE AND APPROPRIATE PUBLIC EDUCATION

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2004)

The primary purpose of special education is to prepare students with special needs for post-secondary educational opportunities, gainful employment, and independent living. IDEA (2004) is an important piece of Federal legislation that ensures students with special needs have access to a free and appropriate public education just like all other children. Schools are required to provide special education services in the least restrictive environment. That means the law requires schools to educate children with special needs in regular education classes with children who are not disabled "to the maximum extent possible". With the appropriate  accommodations and support, students with special needs can be just as successful as their non disabled peers in the general education classroom and in life.