Which legislation requires free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for students with disabilities?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the legislation that specifically mandates free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for students with disabilities. This law ensures that children with disabilities are entitled to educational services that are tailored to meet their individual needs. It emphasizes the importance of providing an individualized education program (IEP), which outlines the specific educational goals and the services required to help the student achieve those goals.

IDEA ensures that students are educated in the least restrictive environment and requires schools to provide necessary accommodations and modifications to facilitate learning. By establishing these legal rights, IDEA plays a crucial role in promoting access to quality education for all students with disabilities. Other legislation, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act, also address disability rights but do not specifically establish the requirement for FAPE in the context of public education.