Education & Disability

Terminology

Free appropriate public education (FAPE):

FAPE is the terms used to describe the educational rights of children with disabilities in the United States. This right is guaranteed by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA.) (Information from Understanding FAPE). Information taken from UnderstandingSpecialEducation.com

Students’ Rights

“Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act  guarantees that a child with a disability has equal ACCESS to an education and that it is comparable to an education provided to those who do not have a disability.

Special education law, or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) lists 13 categories of special education, each with its own detailed requirements.  Special education pertains to student’s aged 3-22 who attend a public institution.” ~ Information taken from UnderstandingSpecialEducation.com

History

“Special education history in the United States can be traced back to right after World War II. One of the first documented advocacy parent groups was the American Association of Mental Deficiency.

Before 1975, many children were denied access to public school, especially those who were blind, deaf, severely disabled or suffered from mental retardation.   It wasn’t unheard of for these children to not attend school and they often remained at home.  It was up to their parents to educate them and teach them basic life skills.” ~ Information from UnderstandingSpecialEducation.com