What legal document outlines the rights of students with disabilities?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the legal document that specifically outlines the rights of students with disabilities. It ensures that eligible children with disabilities are provided a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that meets their unique needs. IDEA also establishes the requirements for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), outlining how schools should support students in accessing their education.

In contrast, while the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides broader anti-discrimination protections for individuals with disabilities in various areas, including education, it does not specifically address the rights and services available to students in the educational context as firmly as IDEA does. The Rehabilitation Act primarily focuses on preventing discrimination in federal programs and activities but also does not define specific educational rights. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) governs the confidentiality of student education records and does not pertain to the educational rights of students with disabilities. Thus, IDEA is the definitive source for outlining those crucial rights.