Parents of disabled children will be happy to know that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (known as IDEA), which was last revised in 2004, is beginning to pay off. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was a progressive piece of legislation that clearly defined the public school system’s role in special education. The act guarantees free public education to children with disabilities up to the age of 21. Under IDEA, the educational classes should be geared towards preparing disabled students for getting more education, getting a job, and living on their own. In the years since Congress voted in favor of the act, pro-IDEA groups across the nation have sprung up, including support groups for the families of disabled children, and resource organizations that inform families of their rights and the services available to them.
Parental support groups have joined together with the common goal of providing information on services and support for the families of disabled children. Many of these groups are federally-funded, and act as a way for IDEA to be regulated and implemented. These groups lead parent training classes, offer special education classes, and act as a wealth of information for parents and families of the disabled. Although much of the legislation regarding special education is difficult to understand, it is important for parents and families to educate themselves about the existing legislation. Parental support groups can be a vital resource for parents to decode the legislation and understand their rights.
IDEA clarifies discipline provisions, intervention procedures, criteria for highly qualified teachers, and many other guidelines that are meant to protect the rights of both students and public agencies. The hope for IDEA and similar legislation is that students, parents, families, and public agencies know their rights and responsibilities more clearly. Ideally, IDEA will allow disabled students to receive public education that will prepare them for integrating into society as much as possible.