Special education supports for children are provided as a result of which act?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the key legislation that ensures special education supports for children with disabilities. This federal law mandates that public schools provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to eligible children who fall under specific disability categories. IDEA emphasizes the importance of developing individualized education programs (IEPs) tailored to meet each child's unique needs, promoting both academic and functional success.

This act establishes the entitlement for children with disabilities to receive services that are designed to ensure their access to education alongside their peers. Furthermore, it outlines the procedural safeguards to protect the rights of students and their families in the IEP process. These requirements help create an educational environment that is inclusive and supportive, which is essential for the development and learning of children with disabilities.

The other acts mentioned have important roles but do not specifically focus on the provision of special education services. For example, the Rehabilitation Act primarily addresses vocational rehabilitation and employs protections against discrimination, while the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides broader civil rights protections. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) focuses on student privacy rights and the confidentiality of education records, which, although important, does not directly relate to the provision of special education services.