Which legal framework guarantees the right to a free appropriate public education for students with disabilities?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the legal framework that specifically guarantees the right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for students with disabilities. Under IDEA, students with disabilities are entitled to receive special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs, ensuring they have access to the same educational opportunities as their non-disabled peers. This law also emphasizes the importance of providing individualized education programs (IEPs) tailored to each student's specific requirements, promoting equity in education.

IDEA plays a critical role in setting forth the legal obligations of public schools to accommodate and support students with disabilities, ensuring they are included in the general education environment to the maximum extent appropriate. This focus on inclusive education and FAPE distinguishes it from other laws governing the rights of individuals with disabilities, which may address issues of accessibility and discrimination rather than the provision of specific educational services.