What is the primary purpose of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?

The primary purpose of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is to ensure that all students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) that meets their individual needs. This legislation mandates that public schools provide special education and related services tailored to the unique requirements of students with disabilities. It emphasizes the right of these students to access the same educational opportunities as their peers and to be included in the general education curriculum whenever appropriate.

This focus on providing a free and appropriate education reflects a commitment to equity and inclusion in the educational system, ensuring that students with disabilities can develop their potential and have access to the same resources and opportunities as others.

Other options do not accurately capture the primary goal of IDEA. The Act does not focus on equal pay in education, auditing educational facilities, or limiting funding; instead, it is centered around the rights of students with disabilities to educational support and services.