The Individualized Education ProgramA legally-binding document that sets out the rationale for providing special education supports and services to your child, specific objectives that your child is to achieve during the year, and enumerates which related services, modifications, and accommodations, if any, he or she will receive., commonly referred to as an IEP, is supported by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)Originally passed in 2004, this federal law guarantees “free and appropriate” public education to American children with disabilities, ensuring special education and early intervention programs that are tailored to their individual needs..

IDEA is a United States federal law that governs how states, school districts, and public agencies provide early interventionSupports and services to infants and toddlers from birth through age two who are not developing as expected or who have a medical condition that can delay normal development. Often focused on increasing the child’s participation in family and community activities that are important to the family, and on helping parents and other caregivers know how to find ways to help the child learn during everyday activities., special educationSpecifically designed instruction, at no cost to the parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability., and related services to children with disabilitiesThe Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a person with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity.  This includes people who have a record of such an impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability.  It also includes people who do not have a disability but are regarded as having a disability.  The ADA also makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person based on that person’s association with a person with a disability.. It focuses mostly on the educational needs of children with disabilities.