Frequently Asked Questions | U.S. Department of Education

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How do I determine if the school is providing my child with an appropriate education and services? </button> </h4> <div id="b-a1" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <p>The <a href="https://sites.ed.gov/idea/"><u>Individuals with Disabilities Education Act</u></a> (IDEA) aims to ensure that all children receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and special services to assist in meeting their educational needs. Under Part B of IDEA, each state and its public agencies must ensure that FAPE is made available to all students with specified disabilities in mandated age ranges, and that the rights and protections of Part B are extended to eligible students and their parents. FAPE includes, among other elements, the provision of special education and related services provided at no cost to parents, in conformity with an individualized education plan (IEP). Additional information and assistance can be found at the <a href="http://www.parentcenterhub.org/"><u>Center for Parent Information & Resources</u></a> and the <a href="https://www.ed.gov/about/contact-us"><u>State Department of Special Education</u></a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq-row views-row"> <div class="usa-accordion"> <h4 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="b-a2"> What kind of support is available to help people with disabilities gain access to technology? </button> </h4> <div id="b-a2" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <p>All states have assistive technology programs to support consumer-driven, statewide, technology-related assistance for individuals of all ages with disabilities. These programs are largely funded by the U.S. Department of Education, under the <a href="https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-108publ364/html/PLAW-108publ364.htm"><u>Assistive Technology Act of 1998</u></a>. For more information visit the <a href="https://www.parentcenterhub.org/ata/"><u>Center for Parent Information & Resources</u></a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq-row views-row"> <div class="usa-accordion"> <h4 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="b-a3"> How does the federal government work with states to ensure compliance with special education laws? </button> </h4> <div id="b-a3" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <p>Educational programs for children with disabilities and for infants and toddlers and their families are supported through grants to states under Parts B and C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) monitors those programs to make sure they are administered in ways that are consistent with federal requirements. In addition, OSEP has designated customer service specialists and state contacts for each state. The staff helps people understand IDEA requirements and access appropriate dispute resolution mechanisms.  If you need assistance, please contact the OSEP <a href="https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/osers/osep/MSIP-State-Leads"><u>customer service specialist or state contact</u></a> assigned to your state.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq-row views-row"> <div class="usa-accordion"> <h4 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="b-a4"> My child has a disability, but is not eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). How can my child receive appropriate education services in the public school system? </button> </h4> <div id="b-a4" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <p>If you find that your child does not qualify for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), then you should inquire about services under Section 504. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) is designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Education. Section 504 requires a school district to provide a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) to each qualified student with a disability who is in the school district's jurisdiction, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability. Your child does not have to qualify under IDEA in order to qualify for FAPE under Section 504. The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights enforces Section 504 in programs and activities that receive federal education funds. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/civil-rights-laws/disability-discrimination/frequently-asked-questions-section-504-fape#:~:text=Section%20504%20prohibits%20discrimination%20on,by%20state%20and%20local%20governments."><u>Protecting Students with Disabilities</u></a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq-row views-row"> <div class="usa-accordion"> <h4 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="b-a5"> How do I know if my school-aged child is eligible for special education? How would I have my child evaluated and assessed to determine eligibility? </button> </h4> <div id="b-a5" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <p>Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) gives eligible children with disabilities ages 3 through 21 (upper age limit varies depending on state law) the right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE).  According to the regulations, a child qualifies for special education and related services under IDEA if a team of professionals evaluates the child and determines that:</p><p>the child has a disability, as defined in Section 300.8 of the IDEA regulations, and</p><p>the child needs special education services because of that disability.</p><p>The evaluation must consider all areas related to the suspected disability; it also must use a variety of assessment tools and strategies. Within 30 days of concluding that your child qualifies for services, the school district must hold a meeting to create an individualized education plan (IEP) for your child.</p><p>To have your child tested, contact your child's teacher, the principal of the school, or the local or <a href="https://www.ed.gov/contact-us/state-contacts"><u>state director for special education</u></a>.</p><p>>Additional resources:</p><p><a href="https://sites.ed.gov/idea/"><u>IDEA Website</u></a>: The law, regulations, training materials, topic briefs, and related notices.</p><p><a href="https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/osers/osep/MSIP-State-Leads"><u>Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) State Contacts</u></a>: This is a listing of U.S. Department of Education staff members who can provide assistance, organized by state.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq-row views-row"> <div class="usa-accordion"> <h4 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="b-a6"> What law protects students with disabilities? </button> </h4> <div id="b-a6" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <p>The <a href="https://sites.ed.gov/idea/"><u>Individuals with Disabilities Education Act</u></a> (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. The 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. For more information you may search the IDEA <a href="https://sites.ed.gov/idea/statuteregulations/"><u>statute and regulations</u></a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq-row views-row"> <div class="usa-accordion"> <h4 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="b-a7"> How is an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) developed for my child? </button> </h4> <div id="b-a7" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <p>The cornerstone of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the entitlement of each eligible child with a disability to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet the child's unique needs and that prepare the child for further education, employment, and independent living. 20 U.S.C. §1400(d) (1) (A). Under the IDEA, the primary vehicle for providing FAPE is through an appropriately developed Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that is based on the individual needs of the child.  An IEP must take into account a child's present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, and the impact of that child's disability on his or her involvement and progress in the general education curriculum. IEP goals must be aligned with grade-level content standards for all children with disabilities. The child's IEP must be developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with the requirements outlined in the IDEA [34 CFR 300.320 through §300.324]. For more information you can review <a href="https://sites.ed.gov/idea/topic-areas/"><u>guidance and resources</u></a> related to IDEA and IEPs.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq-row views-row"> <div class="usa-accordion"> <h4 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="b-a8"> What programs are available to help an individual with a disability gain skills, pursue additional education, and find a job? </button> </h4> <div id="b-a8" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <p>The U.S. Department of Education (Department) provides grants to designated state agencies to operate a program of vocational rehabilitation (VR) in each state and territory. There is federal guidance over all the state programs, but states also have the authority to design their own programs within those guidelines.</p><p>The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) is the office in the Department responsible for overseeing this program. The designated state VR agencies assist individuals with disabilities in securing gainful employment depending on their abilities, capabilities, and informed choice. The state VR agencies also provide training, assistive technology, and transportation. Individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are presumed to be eligible for VR services leading to employment unless there is clear and convincing evidence that they are too significantly disabled to benefit from VR services.</p><p>Although the RSA administers the VR program in each state, its authority to intervene in individual cases is limited. However, one of its primary roles is to ensure that individuals with disabilities are given the opportunity to exercise their rights to due process when they believe their rights have been violated. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Act), as amended, establishes a process for appeals for individuals who are dissatisfied with the services that VR is or is not providing. The Act gives individuals the right to pursue mediation as a means of resolving the complaint against the agency. The Act also establishes a formal hearing process and a judicial review process for individuals. You may utilize any or all these methods of appeal in order to resolve your concerns.</p><p>The Act also establishes the <a href="https://rsa.ed.gov/about/programs/client-assistance-program"><u>Client Assistance Program (CAP)</u></a> to provide assistance and advocacy. CAP services help clients or client applicants pursue concerns they have with programs funded under the Rehabilitation Act. Please contact your state's CAP or your RSA state liaison.</p><p>The <a href="https://rsa.ed.gov/"><u>RSA</u></a> website provides additional information. To apply for benefits, or for more information about the services in your area, please contact your <a href="https://rsa.ed.gov/about/programs/vocational-rehabilitation-state-grants/contact"><u>state VR agency</u></a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="usa-layout-docs__sidenav desktop:grid-col-4 layout-sidebar-second ed-right-column"> <div class="region_sidebar-second dashed"><nav role="navigation" aria-labelledby="block-faq-topic-menu-desktop-menu" id="block-faq-topic-menu-desktop"><h4 id="block-faq-topic-menu-desktop-menu">By Topic</h4><ul class="usa-sidenav"><li class="usa-sidenav__item first"><a href="/about-dept-of-education" title="About Dept of Education" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="taxonomy/term/1368">About Dept of Education</a></li><li class="usa-sidenav__item"><a href="/career-technical-and-adult-education" title="Career, Technical, and Adult Education" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="taxonomy/term/1917">Career, 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