What Exactly is IDEA?

If you have been in the ADHD/LD arena for any length of time at all, you've inevitably heard about IDEA. But, do you really know what it is? How it affects your child? Did you know there is more than one part?

According to the IDEA website...

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities. Infants and toddlers with disabilities (birth-2) and their families receive early intervention services under IDEA Part C. Children and youth (ages 3-21) receive special education and related services under IDEA Part B.

IDEA governs the entire special education process. IDEA also promotes the use of assistive technology in teaching children with disabilities.

The nine basic steps of IDEA are:

1. The child is identified as potentially requiring special education support.
   
2. The child is then evaluated. The evaluation will include the school team and the parent.


3. After evaluation, the eligibility is determined. Qualified professionals and the parent will determine the eligibility.


4. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting is scheduled.


5. The IEP is written.


6. The plan is carried out - Services are provided.


7. Ongoing measurement of progress and reporting to parents.


8. The IEP is reviewed.


9. Reevaluation.

To read more information about each step, visit About.com. Wrightslaw.com also has a comprehensive list of articles about IDEA that you can access for free.