OVERVIEW OF DISABILITY LAWS

In the United States, three pieces of legislation protect the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)

As amended by the United States Congress in 2004

IDEA is a federally-funded statute that requires a free and appropriate public education for students who meet eligibility in one or more of the 13 federal disability definitions. The act has provisions for evaluation, placement, and an individualized education plan (IEP) for eligible students who require specially designed instruction provided by special education certified personnel. Procedural safeguards for parents and the school district are a component of this act. The IDEA is enforced by the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and monitored locally by the Kansas Department of Education.

For more information, contact the district's Special Services Department, (913) 8