Which federal law mandates services for students with disabilities?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) specifically mandates that public schools provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities. This law ensures that students with disabilities receive special education and related services tailored to their individual needs. This is a critical framework as it establishes the rights of children with disabilities to receive instructional support that meets their unique learning requirements.

By defining how states and public agencies must provide services to disabled students, IDEA emphasizes the importance of individualized education programs (IEPs) and sets forth guidelines for appropriate services. This makes it the cornerstone federal law focused expressly on the educational rights of students with disabilities. Other related laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, also support rights for individuals with disabilities, but they do not specifically mandate educational services in the manner that IDEA does. No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) primarily focused on academic accountability and standards rather than directly addressing special education services.