What is the IDEA act?... and other Special Education mysteries decoded

Do you know your rights under IDEA? It’s the law that requires schools to provide special education services to students with disabilities. Listen to this week’s podcast episode to learn more.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Federal law that supports Special Education
• Locate your state’s Department of Education website, then search for Special Education
• Locate your state’s Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC)
• Know your rights: navigating your young child’s transition into school (webinar)
• How to advocate for your child with a disability…and get results (blog)
• 6 ways to be a fierce advocate for your child with disabilities (podcast)
• Special Education Rights Video Series by Mass Advocates for Children

Important words to know and definitions

• FAPE (Free and Appropriate Education)
• IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
• Special Education
• LRE (Least Restrictive Environment)
• IEP (Individualized Education Program)
• Procedural Safeguards

Louisiana Resources

• A Good IDEA for Louisiana: A Guide for Parents and Students About Special Education Services
• Louisiana’s Educational Rights of Children with Disabilities: Special Education Processes and Procedural Safeguards
• Parent Training and Information Center: LAPTIC
• Dispute Resolution for Students with Exceptionalities
• Families Helping Families

Massachusetts Resources

• A Parent's Guide to Special Education (English)
• A Parent's Guide to Special Education (Spanish)
• Procedural Safeguards, available in English and 17 other languages
• Parent Training and Information Center: Family TIES of Massachusetts
• Mass Special Education Website

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