Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) serves more than 6.5 million children in our nation's schools and preserves a free, appropriate public education for children with disabilities, including students with communication disorders. Infants and toddlers with disabilities (birth-2) and their families receive early intervention services under IDEA Part C, and children and youth (3-21) receive special education and related services under IDEA Part B.

ED Issues Guidance to Ensure Access to Speech-Language Pathology Services for Children with Autism (7/15/2015)

IDEA

• Text of IDEA '04 (P.L. 108-446) [PDF] (12/3/04)
• Learn more about what IDEA really means and its impact on the professions by reading the issue briefs.

IDEA Part B (ages 3–21) Regulations and Issue Briefs

• 2013 IDEA Part B (ages 3–21)
• Parental Consent and Use of Public Insurance
• FAQs About Parental Consent and Use of Public Benefits or Insurance
• 2008 IDEA Part B (ages 3–21)
• ASHA Analysis: 2008 IDEA Part B Supplemental Final Regulations [PDF]
• IDEA Funding Chart 1977–2014 [PDF]
• 2007 OSEP Guidance on Missed Sessions (OSEP's Response Letter of Guidance [PDF])
• 2006 IDEA Part B (ages 3–21)

Other Resources

• Visit the U.S. Department of Education's website on IDEA, Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004.
• Order free publications from the U.S. Department of Education.
• IDEA Data Accountability Center (DAC)
• IDEA and FERPA Confidentiality Provisions [PDF]
• Dear Colleague Letter [PDF]: Clarification of FAPE and Alignment with State Academic Standards
• IDEAs That Work: Preparing Children and Youth with Disabilities for Success
• Supporting and Responding to Behavior: Evidence-Based Classroom Strategies for Teachers toolkit

IDEA Part C (birth–age 2) Regulations and Issue Briefs

2011 IDEA Part C (birth–age 2)

Additional ASHA Resource

IDEA Milestones: 1975–2013

Take Action on Congressional IDEA Related Issues

Key Issues