The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children, supports early intervention services for infants and toddlers and their families, and awards competitive discretionary grants.
ED's Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) website brings together IDEA information and resources from the Department and our grantees.
The law authorizes formula grants to states and discretionary grants to eligible applicants.
ED issues policy letters and support documents that provide written guidance and clarification regarding implementation of the IDEA.
ED monitors all IDEA Part B and C programs and differentiates its approach for each state based on the state's unique strengths, progress, and needs.
Resources for Families
The IDEA Parents and Families Resource page brings together department programs and additional information of interest for parents and families